How long does it take to get access to CRA My Business Account?

If you register using a Sign-In Partner (your bank's login), you may get access immediately without waiting for a security code. If you register directly with a CRA user ID, CRA mails a security code to your registered address — this takes 5 to 10 business days. After entering the code, access is immediate.

What is a Sign-In Partner for CRA My Business Account?

A Sign-In Partner is a bank or financial institution whose online login CRA accepts as identity verification. Participating banks include RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, and others. If your bank participates, you can access My Business Account using your banking credentials without creating a separate CRA login.

What can I do in CRA My Business Account?

My Business Account lets you file GST/HST returns electronically, view your account balance, make GST/HST payments, change your filing frequency, update your business address, authorize a representative (accountant), view correspondence from CRA, manage direct deposit, and submit elections like the Quick Method (Form GST74).

Do I need My Business Account and My Account, or just one?

They are separate portals. My Business Account is for your GST/HST and payroll accounts — things associated with your Business Number. My Account is for your personal income tax (T1), RRSP, and benefit accounts — associated with your SIN. As a self-employed person, you will use both: My Business Account to file GST/HST returns, and My Account to file your T1 and view your personal tax information.

How do I authorize my accountant to access My Business Account?

In My Business Account, go to Manage Authorized Representatives and enter your accountant's RepID or their Group ID. They will need to accept the authorization from their own CRA representative account. Once authorized, they can view your account, file returns, and respond to CRA on your behalf depending on the access level you set.

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How to Set Up CRA My Business Account (Step by Step)

My Business Account is where you file GST/HST returns, view your balance, make elections, and manage your CRA account online. Here is how to get in for the first time.

Quick Answer

Go to canada.ca → My Business Account. Sign in with your bank (Sign-In Partner) for fastest access — no security code wait. Or register with a CRA user ID and wait 5–10 business days for a mailed security code. You will need your 9-digit Business Number from your GST registration confirmation.

Before you start — what you need

Your 9-digit Business Number — this is on the confirmation letter CRA sent when you registered for GST/HST
Your business address on file with CRA
Either your bank login (Sign-In Partner) OR a personal email address to create a CRA user ID

Step 1 — Go to My Business Account

Go to canada.caand search "My Business Account," or navigate to the CRA sign-in services page directly. You will see two options:

Option A — Sign-In Partner (recommended)

Use your existing online banking login (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, and others). CRA uses your bank as an identity verification layer. No security code needed — you may get access immediately. This is the fastest route.

Option B — CRA user ID and password

Create a new CRA login with your email address and a password. After registering, CRA mails a security code to your business address on file. This takes 5–10 business days. Enter the code to activate full access.

Step 2 — Authenticate and link your Business Number

After signing in via your chosen method, CRA will ask you to link a business account. Enter your 9-digit Business Number and confirm your business details. CRA will ask for a piece of identifying information to verify you — this is typically your business postal code or a recent filing amount.

If you have multiple program accounts (GST/HST, payroll, etc.) under the same Business Number, they will all appear once linked.

Step 3 — Enter your security code (CRA login only)

If you registered with a CRA user ID (Option B), watch your mail at your business address. CRA sends a letter within 5–10 business days containing a one-time security code. Log back in and enter the code to unlock full account access. Until the code is entered, your access is limited.

What you can do once you are in

Task	Where to find it
File a GST/HST return	GST/HST → File a return → select your open period
View balance owing	GST/HST → Account balance
Change filing frequency	GST/HST → Filing elections
Elect Quick Method (Form GST74)	GST/HST → Filing elections → Quick Method
Set up pre-authorized debit	GST/HST → Manage pre-authorized debit
Authorize an accountant	Manage Authorized Representatives → Add
Update business address	Business profile → Address

My Account vs My Business Account

These are two separate CRA portals and you will likely need both as a self-employed person:

My Business Account: GST/HST, payroll, corporate accounts — linked to your Business Number
My Account: Personal income tax (T1), RRSP limits, benefit payments — linked to your SIN

Set up both. My Account uses the same Sign-In Partner / CRA user ID options and the same security code process. Register for My Account through the CRA My Account page, using your SIN instead of a Business Number.

Get Started How to File Your GST/HST Return

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. CRA portal interfaces change periodically — if steps differ from what you see, use CRA's help section or call 1-800-959-5525.