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

It depends on your identity verification method. Either way — Sign-In Partner or CRA user ID — you must verify your identity with CRA using your SIN, date of birth, postal code, and a line from a recent return. If you use CRA's document verification service, you can get full access immediately. If CRA mails a security code, expect 5 to 10 business days. Sign-In Partner is generally the faster path but does not automatically skip the security code step.

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.

Back to Resources

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 Partner (your bank login) is usually the fastest route, but you will still need to verify your identity with CRA regardless of method. Full access requires either a mailed security code (5–10 business days) or CRA's document verification service for immediate access. You will need your Business Number, SIN, date of birth, and a line amount from a recent tax return.

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 SIN, date of birth, and postal code on file with CRA
A line amount from a recent tax return or notice of assessment — CRA uses this to confirm your identity
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). This is usually the fastest route. You will still need to verify your identity with CRA (SIN, date of birth, postal code, and a line from a recent return). Some users can get immediate full access via CRA's document verification service; others will receive a mailed security code.

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 verify your identity and link a business account. You will need your SIN, date of birth, postal code on file with CRA, and a line amount from a recent return or notice of assessment. Then enter your 9-digit Business Number to link your GST/HST (and any other program) accounts.

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.