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How to Access Your CRA My Account and Check Your Tax Notice of Assessment

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How to Access Your CRA My Account and Check Your Tax Notice of Assessment

What Is CRA My Account?

CRA My Account is the Canada Revenue Agency's online portal. It lets you view your tax information, check your benefit payments, update your direct deposit, and access important documents like your Notice of Assessment — all from your computer or phone. If you file taxes in Canada, this is an essential tool.

Two Ways to Sign In

The CRA offers two methods to log in. Both are secure and free:

  • Sign-In Partner — Use your online banking username and password from a participating bank (TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, and many credit unions). This is the easiest method if you already bank online
  • GCKey — A separate username and password created directly with the Government of Canada. Choose this if you prefer not to link your bank account or if your bank is not a Sign-In Partner

Signing In with a Sign-In Partner

  1. Go to canada.ca/cra-my-account on your web browser
  2. Click CRA Sign-In Partner
  3. Select your bank or credit union from the list
  4. Enter your online banking username and password on your bank's secure login page
  5. Agree to share your information with the CRA (this is a one-time step)
  6. You will be redirected to your CRA My Account dashboard

Your bank password is never shared with the CRA. The bank simply confirms your identity.

Signing In with GCKey

  1. Go to canada.ca/cra-my-account on your web browser
  2. Click CRA Register with GCKey
  3. Create a GCKey username and password (use something you will remember)
  4. Provide your email address and verify it with the code sent to your inbox
  5. Enter your personal details: Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and postal code
  6. Answer a security question to verify your identity (the CRA may also mail you a security code if further verification is needed)

If the CRA mails you a security code, it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Once you enter it, you will have full access to your account.

Finding Your Notice of Assessment

Your Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the official document the CRA sends after processing your tax return. It shows how much tax you owe or how much refund you are receiving. Here is how to find it online:

  1. Sign in to CRA My Account using either method above
  2. On the main page, look for the Tax Returns section
  3. Click View tax returns and notices of assessment
  4. Select the tax year you want to view
  5. Click Notice of Assessment to open or download a PDF copy

You can view NOAs from the current year and several previous years. This is very helpful if you need a copy for a mortgage application, loan, or your own records.

Other Useful Features in CRA My Account

Once you are logged in, take a moment to explore these helpful features:

  • Benefit and credit payments — See your Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, Old Age Security, and other payment amounts and dates
  • Direct deposit — Update your bank account so CRA deposits go to the right place
  • Tax instalments — View amounts owing and make payments online
  • RRSP and TFSA limits — Check your contribution room for the current year
  • Mail — View correspondence from the CRA instead of waiting for paper mail

Protecting Your CRA Account

Your CRA account contains sensitive financial information. Follow these tips to keep it safe:

  • Never share your password — The CRA will never call or email asking for your password
  • Use a strong password — At least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
  • Enable multi-factor authentication if prompted — This adds an extra layer of security
  • Check your account regularly — If you notice anything unusual, call the CRA immediately at 1-800-959-8281
  • Beware of CRA scams — The real CRA never threatens arrest over the phone or asks for payment in gift cards. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number above

Accessing your CRA My Account puts you in control of your tax information. No more waiting for paper mail or sitting on hold. With a few minutes of setup, you can view your tax details anytime from the comfort of home.