How to Reset Access to Your CRA My Account

If you’ve lost access to your CRA My Account, don’t worry — it’s common and easy to fix.
This guide explains how to recover your User ID, reset your password, and what to do if you’re locked out — either online or by phone.

1️⃣ What is CRA “My Account”?

My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency’s online portal for individuals.
It allows you to:

• View your tax returns and Notices of Assessment (NOA)

• Check GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit, and other payments

• Access your RRSP and TFSA contribution limits

• View and manage your direct deposit information

You can sign in using either your bank login (Sign-In Partner) or a CRA user ID and password created directly with the CRA.

👉 CRA My Account – Sign In

2️⃣ If You Forgot Your User ID

You can recover your User ID online by validating your identity.

🔹 Step-by-Step: Recover User ID Online

1. Go to the CRA My Account sign-in page.

2. Click “CRA user ID and password.”

3. If you use CRA credentials, click “Forgot your user ID?”

   
   

4. On the screen titled “Forgot your user ID – validate your identity,” enter:

   • Social Insurance Number (SIN)

   • Date of birth

   • Tax information: line 15000 (Total income) from your most recent tax return

     • If your 2024 (for example) return hasn’t been filed yet, use the amount from your 2023 return.

   • Enter dollars only (no cents).
     

5. Click Next.

6. The next screen will display your User ID(s) under the message:

   “You can use the following user ID(s) the next time you sign in.”

✅ Tip: Write down your User ID and keep it stored securely.

🔹 If You Can’t Recover Online — Call the CRA

If you’re unable to retrieve your User ID online, call the CRA Individual Enquiries Line:

📞 1-800-959-8281
🕘 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

You’ll need to provide:

• Your SIN

• Date of birth

• Full mailing address on file with the CRA

• A line amount from your most recent tax return

The CRA agent will verify your identity and help you regain access.

3️⃣ If You Forgot Your Password

If you know your User ID but can’t remember your password, you can reset it online.

🔹 Step-by-Step: Reset Password Online

1. On the CRA My Account sign-in page, click “CRA user ID and password.”

2. Click “Forgot your password?”

3. Enter your User ID and click Next.

4. Answer your security questions (the ones you set when you registered your account).
   

5. If you answer correctly, you’ll be taken to the “Create a new password” screen.

6. Follow the CRA password rules:

   • 8–64 characters

   • At least 1 uppercase letter, 1 lowercase letter, and 1 number

   • No spaces or accented letters

   • Only allowed symbols: . - _ '

7. Enter and confirm your new password, then click Next.

🎉 Your CRA password has now been successfully reset.

🔹 If You Can’t Reset Online — Call the CRA

If you can’t answer your security questions or access your account online:

📞 1-800-959-8281
🕘 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Be ready to verify your identity with:

• SIN

• Date of birth

• Address on file

• Line amount from your most recent tax return

The CRA can mail you a security code to reset your password.

4️⃣ If Your CRA Account Is Locked

If you’ve made too many incorrect login attempts:

• Wait 30 minutes before trying again.

• If it remains locked, call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to unlock your account.

5️⃣ Best Practices to Avoid Future Lockouts

• Save your User ID and password in a secure location.

• Update your email and phone number in your CRA account regularly.

• Enable two-step verification for added protection.

• Always sign out after using your account, especially on shared devices.

6️⃣ Need Help?

If you still can’t access your CRA account, our team at Toro Accounting can guide you step by step.
We’ll help you regain access and ensure your profile information is updated correctly.