CRA My Business Account: what it is and how to use it

Published Friday 31 July 2026

Table of contents

• What is CRA My Business Account?
• How to register for CRA My Business Account
• How to log in to CRA My Business Account
• Key features and services
• Tips for using CRA My Business Account effectively
• Common issues and how to fix them
• Simplify your Canadian business taxes with Xero
• FAQs on CRA My Business Account

Key takeaways

• CRA My Business Account is a free, secure portal that lets you file returns, view balances, make payments, and manage your business tax accounts online with the Canada Revenue Agency.
• You can register using a CRA user ID and password or through a Sign-In Partner like your bank. A mailed security code, which arrives in five to 10 business days, is required to activate your account.
• The portal supports multiple program accounts, including GST/HST, payroll, and corporation income tax. You can link several Business Numbers to a single login.

What is CRA My Business Account?

CRA My Business Account is a free online portal from the Canada Revenue Agency. It gives you secure, self-service access to your business tax information around the clock.

Instead of calling the CRA or waiting for paper statements, you can handle most tax tasks from your computer or mobile device. Through the portal, you can view account balances, file returns, make payments, and communicate directly with the CRA.

The portal is designed for anyone who runs a business in Canada and holds a Business Number (BN). Whether you run a small shop, a consulting practice, or a growing team, this portal is your central hub for business tax matters. My Business Account covers GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporation income tax, excise taxes, import/export accounts, and more.

If you're a sole proprietor, a partner in a partnership, a director of a corporation, or an officer of a non-profit, you can use the portal to manage your obligations.

The CRA offers three separate portals, each with a different purpose:

• My Account: for personal tax matters like your income tax return, RRSP limits, and benefit payments
• My Business Account: for business-specific tax accounts and filings
• Represent a Client: for accountants, bookkeepers, or other authorized representatives who access client accounts on their behalf

Make sure you're signing into the correct portal for the task at hand.

What you can do with My Business Account

My Business Account gives you access to a wide range of services. Here's what you can do once you're registered:

• File GST/HST returns and corporation income tax returns directly through the portal.
• View account balances, statements of account, and transaction histories.
• Make payments using pre-authorized debit, credit card, or online banking.
• Set up direct deposit so refunds and credits reach your bank account faster.
• Download notices of assessment and other official documents.
• Send and receive secure messages with the CRA.
• Authorize representatives to access your account on your behalf.

How to register for CRA My Business Account

Registering for CRA My Business Account takes a few steps, but the process is straightforward. You'll need some key information on hand before you begin.

What you need before you start

Gather the following details before you start the registration process:

• Your nine-digit Business Number (BN), issued by the CRA
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Information from a recent business or personal tax return, used for identity verification

Step-by-step registration

Follow these steps to set up your CRA My Business Account:

1. Go to the CRA My Business Account registration page on the Canada.ca website.
2. Choose your sign-in method. You can create a CRA user ID and password or use a Sign-In Partner.
3. Enter your personal and business information as prompted. This includes your SIN, date of birth, and Business Number.
4. Pick a strong password that you don't use for other accounts, and set up your security questions and answers.
5. Request a security code. The CRA mails this code to the address on file for your business. It typically arrives in five to 10 business days.
6. Enter the security code once it arrives to activate your account.
7. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).

CRA user ID vs Sign-In Partner

When you register, you choose between two sign-in methods. A CRA user ID and password combo is a dedicated login that you create specifically for CRA portals. A Sign-In Partner lets you use the login credentials from a participating Canadian financial institution that has partnered with Interac®, such as your bank.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing:

• Sign-In Partner is convenient if you already bank online, since you use existing credentials.
• The CRA and your bank don't share information with each other; the bank simply confirms your identity.
• A CRA user ID gives you a standalone login that doesn't depend on your banking provider.
• You can switch methods later if your needs change.

How to log in to CRA My Business Account

Once your account is active, logging in takes just a few moments. Visit the CRA sign-in page and select your method. Enter your CRA user ID and password, or sign in through your Sign-In Partner.

After you log in, you'll land on the Welcome page. Select the business you want to manage from the list.

Multi-factor authentication requirements

The CRA now requires multi-factor authentication every time you sign in. After you enter your credentials, you'll receive a one-time passcode.

You can receive passcodes through an authenticator app or a passcode grid provided by the CRA that you can download, print, and store somewhere safe. The CRA also encourages you to add a backup MFA method in case you lose access to your primary one.

Key features and services

CRA My Business Account offers several tools that help you stay on top of your tax obligations. Here's a closer look at the main features.

Filing returns and making payments

You can file your GST/HST returns and corporation income tax returns directly through the portal. For payments, you have three main options: pre-authorized debit, credit card through a third-party payment provider, or online banking. After you file, your notice of assessment becomes available in the portal.

Managing multiple businesses

If you own or direct more than one business, you can link each Business Number to a single CRA login. On the Welcome page, select which business you want to view. This saves you from creating separate accounts for each business.

Authorizing a representative

You can grant your accountant, bookkeeper, or another trusted person access to your business account. The CRA offers three levels of authorization:

• View-only: your representative can see your account details but can't make changes
• View and change: your representative can update information and file on your behalf
• Full authorization: your representative has complete access to manage your account

Tips for using CRA My Business Account effectively

A few simple habits help you get the most from the portal. Following these practices can save you time and reduce the chance of missing deadlines.

• Check your account at least once a week to catch new notices and balance changes early.
• Set up direct deposit to receive refunds and credits faster.
• Turn on email notifications so the CRA can alert you when new correspondence arrives.
• Keep your business address, banking details, and contact information up to date.
• Store downloaded notices and documents in a secure, organized folder.
• Review your filing deadlines at the start of each quarter to avoid late penalties.

Common issues and how to fix them

You may run into a few common problems when using CRA My Business Account. Here's how to resolve them quickly.

• If you can't log in: Double-check your CRA user ID and password for typos. After several failed attempts, your account may lock for 24 hours.
• If your security code hasn't arrived after 10 business days: Contact the CRA at 1-800-959-5525. Make sure the mailing address on your CRA file is correct.
• If you're having trouble with MFA: Confirm that your authenticator app is synced to the correct time. If you've lost access to your primary method, use your backup method.
• If your personal information doesn't match CRA records: Call the CRA to update your records before trying again.

Simplify your Canadian business taxes with Xero

Managing your CRA obligations is one part of running a business in Canada. Keeping your books accurate and up to date is what makes tax time straightforward.

Xero helps small businesses track income and expenses, send invoices, reconcile bank transactions, and prepare for tax season. When your financial records are organized throughout the year, filing through CRA My Business Account becomes a simpler task.

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FAQs on CRA My Business Account

Here are answers to common questions about CRA My Business Account.

How do I access my CRA business account?

Visit the CRA My Business Account page on Canada.ca and sign in with your CRA user ID or through a Sign-In Partner. You'll need to complete multi-factor authentication each time.

Is CRA My Business Account free?

Yes. CRA My Business Account is completely free. There's no cost to register, file returns, or access any of the portal's features.

How long does it take to get a CRA security code?

The CRA mails a security code to the address on file for your business. It typically arrives within five to 10 business days.

What's the difference between CRA My Account and My Business Account?

CRA My Account is for personal tax matters, such as your individual income tax return and benefit payments. My Business Account is specifically for business tax obligations, including GST/HST, payroll, and corporation income tax.

Can I manage multiple businesses in one CRA account?

Yes. You can link multiple Business Numbers to a single CRA login and switch between them on the Welcome page.

How do I authorize my accountant to access my business account?

Go to the "Authorize a representative" section in My Business Account. Enter your representative's RepID or GroupID and choose the appropriate access level.

What should I do if I get locked out of my CRA business account?

Wait 24 hours if your account locked after failed login attempts. For persistent issues, call the CRA at 1-800-959-5525.