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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.

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Why use a provincial partner?

  • Instant full access. You skip the document verification service and the mailed CRA security code.
  • No recent tax return needed. This is the only option that works if you have never filed taxes, or have not filed in the last 2 years.
  • One less password. You use the credential you already have with your province.

BC Services Card vs Alberta.ca Account

BC Services CardAlberta.ca Account
Who can use itB.C. residentsAlberta residents
CRA multi-factor authenticationNot requiredRequired; managed in your CRA Security settings
Help with the credentialBC Services Card Login helpAlberta.ca Account contact page

Problems with your provincial login

The CRA can't reset a BC Services Card or Alberta.ca Account. For any change to your credential, contact your province.

You can also add a second sign-in option. Go through the CRA registration again and choose a CRA user ID or a Sign-In Partner. If you use an Alberta.ca Account, you will need your existing multi-factor authentication.

Living in another province?

Provincial partners are only available in British Columbia and Alberta. Everyone else uses a Sign-In Partner (your bank) or a CRA user ID and password.

Step by step

  1. Set up your provincial account first.

    You need an active BC Services Card (set up for online login) or a verified Alberta.ca Account.

  2. Open the official CRA sign-in page.

    Choose Provincial partner, then your province.

  3. Sign in on the provincial page.

    You sign in with your provincial credential, then you are sent back to the CRA.

  4. Enter your SIN the first time.

    The CRA uses it to link your account. No SIN? A temporary tax number (TTN) or individual tax number (ITN) is also accepted.

Related

How to Sign In to Your CRA Account (My Account): Steps and Fixes Go to the official "Sign in to your CRA account" page on canada.ca, choose the same sign-in option you registered with (your bank, a CRA user ID and password, or a B.C./Alberta provincial partner), then enter your one-time passcode. Stuck? The troubleshooter below gives the CRA's fix for your exact problem. 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. 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. 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

Can I use a provincial partner if I have not filed my taxes?

Yes. The CRA lets you register with a provincial partner even if you have not filed taxes in the last 2 years, or ever.

Do I need a security code with a BC Services Card?

No. A provincial partner gives you full access straight away, with no CRA security code or document verification.

My BC Services Card login is not working. Can the CRA fix it?

No. Problems with the provincial credential itself are handled by your province. You can still add a Sign-In Partner or CRA user ID as a second way in.

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.