Filing your personal income taxes in Canada has become easier and faster with the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) online portal: MyAccount. This secure and convenient platform allows individuals to access their tax slips, file tax returns, monitor refund status, receive notices, and more—all from one dashboard.
In this detailed guide, we explore how to use CRA MyAccount to file your taxes online, what features it offers, and how it can simplify your annual tax obligations.
1. What Is CRA MyAccount?
MyAccount is a secure online service offered by the CRA that allows Canadian individuals to manage their federal tax affairs electronically. It gives you access to personal tax information, government benefits, RRSP limits, T4 slips, and lets you submit your return using NETFILE-certified software.
Whether you are a salaried employee, student, retiree, or self-employed, CRA MyAccount streamlines the process by consolidating your data in one place.
2. Benefits of Filing Through CRA MyAccount
- Real-time access to your tax slips (T4, T5, T3, RRSP, etc.)
- Faster refunds via direct deposit
- Immediate confirmation of filing
- View your Notice of Assessment (NOA) in minutes
- Track refund status and balances owing
- Apply for benefits and credits like GST/HST, CCB, Climate Action Incentive
- Change your return if you make a mistake
3. How to Register for CRA MyAccount
- Visit CRA MyAccount website.
- Choose one of two sign-in methods:
- Sign-In Partner (your banking login)
- CRA user ID and password (requires security code)
- After verifying your identity, you’ll receive a security code by mail.
- Enter the security code to activate full access.
4. Required Documents to File Through MyAccount
Before you begin, have the following ready:
- Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- Slips such as:
- T4: Employment income
- T5: Investment income
- T3: Trust income
- RRSP, T4A, T4E: Other income/benefits
- Receipts for deductions/credits (medical, tuition, childcare, etc.)
- Previous year’s NOA (to verify your account)
5. Filing Steps Using MyAccount
- Access CRA MyAccount during tax season (starting late February).
- Use “Auto-fill my return” feature in your certified tax software. This pulls your slips and prior information from CRA directly.
- Review and update personal information (address, marital status, direct deposit).
- Enter additional income or deductions not reported on slips (e.g., self-employment, capital gains).
- Review your return summary before submission.
- Submit electronically via NETFILE.
- Check for your Notice of Assessment in MyAccount within 1–2 weeks.
6. Using Auto-Fill My Return (AFR)
This time-saving tool allows you to automatically import:
- All tax slips issued to you (T4, T5, T4A, etc.)
- RRSP contributions and limits
- Unused tuition or carry-forward amounts
- Home Buyers’ Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan balances
To use AFR, you must authorize your tax software (e.g., TurboTax, Wealthsimple Tax, UFile) to connect with CRA through your MyAccount login.
7. After You File: What You Can Access
- Refund status and direct deposit confirmation
- Full history of returns and NOAs
- TFSA and RRSP contribution room
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) or Disability Tax Credit status
- Upcoming instalment reminders and balance owing alerts
8. Changing or Amending Your Return
If you made an error or forgot a deduction after filing, MyAccount lets you change your return online using the “Change my return” tool.
You can only do this after receiving your Notice of Assessment. You’ll be able to modify most fields, resubmit your correction, and receive a revised NOA.
9. Filing Deadlines to Remember
- April 30, 2025: Filing and payment deadline for most individuals
- June 15, 2025: Filing deadline for self-employed individuals (payment still due April 30)
- March 3, 2025: RRSP contribution deadline for 2024 deductions
10. Final Thoughts
Filing your taxes through CRA’s MyAccount is fast, secure, and highly efficient. With features like Auto-Fill, instant access to slips, NOAs, and direct deposit tracking, it significantly reduces the complexity of tax season.
If you’re not already registered, set up your account well before tax season begins. This allows you to get comfortable with the interface, ensure everything is accurate, and be ready to file as early as late February. MyAccount is truly your one-stop tax tool for hassle-free compliance and faster refunds.
