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Can't Register for a CRA Account Without a Tax Return? What to Do

To register with your bank or a CRA user ID, you must have filed a tax return for the current or previous tax year, because the CRA checks amounts from it. If you have never filed or have not filed in 2 years, file a return first. B.C. and Alberta residents can register with a provincial partner without one.

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Why the CRA asks for a tax return

The CRA confirms who you are by asking for amounts that only you should know, taken from your most recent assessed return. The return must be from within the last 2 years. If there is no return, there is nothing to check against.

Newcomers to Canada

If you arrived recently, you can't register with your bank or a CRA user ID until your first return is assessed. In the meantime:

No social insurance number?

The CRA also accepts a temporary tax number (TTN) or an individual tax number (ITN) for registration.

Step by step

  1. File your tax return.

    Newcomers and people who have not filed recently should file first. You can file online with NETFILE-certified software, on paper, or at a free tax clinic.

  2. Wait for your notice of assessment.

    Registration asks for amounts from your most recent assessed return, so wait until it has been processed.

  3. Register for your CRA account.

    Use the amounts you first reported on the return, even if it was later reassessed.

  4. In B.C. or Alberta? You can skip the wait.

    Register with your BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. You only need your SIN.

Phone numbers

CRA individual enquiries

1-800-959-8281

Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-613-940-8495 (collect calls through an operator)

Related

How to Register for a CRA Account (My Account) Go to the official CRA sign-in page, choose "Register", pick how you will sign in (your bank, a CRA user ID, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), set up two passcode methods, then confirm your identity: instantly with photo ID, or with a security code mailed within 10 business days. Sign In to the CRA With a BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account If you live in British Columbia or Alberta, you can sign in to your CRA account with your BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. You only need your SIN. You get full access right away, with no security code or photo check, even if you have not filed taxes recently. How to Authorize a Representative With the CRA (Family or Accountant) Sign in to My Account, choose Profile, then Add in the Authorized representative(s) section. Pick level 1 (view only) or level 2 (view and make some changes). Your representative must already have a RepID from Represent a Client. To give phone and mail access only, mail Form AUT-01. CRA Phone Number and Contact Numbers (2026): Every Line and Hours The main CRA phone number is 1-800-959-8281 for personal tax and CRA account questions. For benefits like the Canada child benefit call 1-800-387-1193, and for businesses 1-800-959-5525. All three are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, and closed on weekends and public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Which tax year counts?

A return for the current or previous tax year. It must be your most recent assessed return.

My return is filed but registration still fails. Why?

The return may not be assessed yet, or the amounts entered do not match what you first reported. Use the figures from your original return, not a reassessment.

Can someone help me with my taxes while I wait?

Yes. You can authorize a family member or accountant as your representative with Form AUT-01 by mail, which gives them access by phone and mail.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.