It can be incredibly frustrating when you can't access your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account. Whether you can't remember your password or you've been locked out for some other reason, it's important to know how to get back in and reset your account.
In this post, we'll explain some of the reasons why you might be locked out of your CRA account, how to get back in, and how to reset your password. We'll also touch on some of the dangers of being locked out of your account and what you can do to avoid it.
Why Am I Locked Out Of My CRA Account?
The first common reason people get locked out of their CRA account is forgetting their password. Fortunately, this is easy to fix: simply request a password reset from the CRA website. Remember that you'll need to enter your social insurance number, date of birth, and other personal information to verify your identity.
The second common reason for getting locked out of your CRA account is that the CRA has detected unusual activity on your account, which can happen if you enter the wrong password too many times. If you enter an incorrect password three times in a row, your account will be frozen, and you'll need to call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to get back in.
If you don't fall into either of these categories, there are a few other reasons why you might be locked out of your CRA account, including:
- Your account has been inactive for more than two years
- You've been asked to confirm your identity by mail but haven't done so
- You're trying to log in from a suspicious location or device
- The CRA is experiencing technical difficulties
How Can I Get Back Into My CRA Account?
If you've forgotten your password, the easiest way to get back into your account is to request a password reset from the CRA website. All you need to do is enter your social insurance number, date of birth, and other personal information to verify your identity.
If your account has been locked due to unusual activity, you must call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to get back in. The CRA will likely ask you for some personal information to confirm your identity before they unlock your account, and in some cases, may request proof of identification.
The Dangers Of Being Locked Out Of Your CRA Account
So why is it so important to avoid getting locked out of your CRA account? There are a few key dangers to be aware of.
First, if you can't access your account, you can't file your taxes or access any other information or services from the CRA. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if you're trying to meet a tax (or other) deadline.
Second, if your account is locked due to unusual activity, it may be a sign that someone has been trying to hack into your account. This means that there's a risk that your personal and financial information could be compromised, or that someone could file a false tax return in your name.
Last but not least, being locked out of your CRA account is simply a major hassle. Not only will you have to go through the process of resetting your password or confirming your identity, but you may also have to deal with the inconvenience of not being able to access your account when you need it, which could also interfere with your direct deposit payments. It's important to stay on top of your taxes and other financial obligations, so don't let being locked out keep you from meeting those responsibilities.
How To Avoid Getting Locked Out Of Your CRA Account
So what can you do to prevent yourself from getting locked out in the first place? Here are a few tips:
- Ensure you create a strong password and don't use the same password for multiple accounts. I suggest using a password manager to generate and keep track of strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
- Be careful when entering your password. Make sure you're typing it in correctly, and if you're not sure, request a password reset instead of trying again.
- If you're asked to confirm your identity by mail, make sure you do so as soon as possible. Keep your contact information up to date with the CRA so they can reach you if there's ever an issue with your account.
- Never share your username or password with anyone else. If you think someone else may have access to your account, change your password immediately.
CRA Account FAQs
How do I know if I am registered with the CRA?
To know if you're registered with the CRA, go to canada.ca/my-account and select the option “I don’t know my CRA user ID or password.” You'll be asked to enter some personal information so the CRA can verify your identity. If you're successfully verified, the CRA will send you an email with your CRA user ID.
If you can't remember your CRA user ID, you can also try to recover it by going to canada.ca/my-account and selecting the option “I forgot my CRA user ID.” You'll be asked to enter some personal information so the CRA can verify your identity.
How do I open a CRA account online?
To open a CRA account, go to canada.ca/my-account and select the option “I don’t have a CRA user ID.” You will be asked to provide some personal information so that CRA can verify your identity. Once you are successfully verified, you can create a CRA user ID.
Do you need a CRA account to file taxes?
No, you do not need a CRA account to file your taxes. However, having a CRA account can make it easier and faster to file your taxes online, track the status of tax refunds, and access other CRA services.
The CRA also offers a service called “My Account for Individuals,” which allows taxpayers to view their tax information online, make changes to their personal information, and more.
What are the consequences of being locked out of my CRA account?
The consequences of being locked out of your CRA account include being unable to file your taxes or access other information or services from the CRA, the possibility of someone else gaining access to your account and stealing your personal information or filing fraudulent tax returns in your name, and plenty of stress and frustration.
Is a CRA account the same as a My Service Canada account?
No, a CRA account is not the same as a My Service Canada account. A CRA account gives you access to online services from the CRA, such as filing your taxes and accessing your benefit and credit payments. A My Service Canada account gives you access to online services from Employment and Social Development Canada, such as applying for employment insurance benefits, Old Age Security, or a Canada Pension Plan retirement pension.
