In today's digital world, the Canada Revenue Agency provides Edmonton residents with several convenient ways to check their tax status without leaving home. For many new immigrants from Ukraine who are just getting used to the Canadian tax system, understanding how to access their tax information can seem like a daunting task. However, navigating this system is critical to financial well-being, as tax status affects everything from government benefits to the ability to obtain a mortgage or rent a home. This guide will detail all the available methods for checking your tax status, from the most convenient online portal to traditional telephone services, and provide practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes.
CRA My Account: the main online gateway to your tax information
CRA My Account is the most important and convenient way to access all your tax information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a secure personal account that gives you complete control over your tax affairs without having to wait in line, make phone calls, or visit CRA offices. For Edmonton residents, especially those who work multiple jobs or have unpredictable schedules, this ability to access information at any time is invaluable.
Through My Account, you can view your Notices of Assessment and tax returns for the current and previous three years. These documents are official confirmation that the CRA has processed your return and determined whether you owe additional taxes or are eligible for a refund. The Notice of Assessment also contains critical information about your RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) contribution limit for the following year, your status with regard to the Home Buyers' Plan (if you used it to purchase a home), and the Lifelong Learning Plan. Many financial institutions in Edmonton require a copy of your latest Notice of Assessment as proof of income when considering applications for mortgages, car loans, or even when renting an apartment.
Tracking tax refunds and payments is another key feature of My Account. Once you have filed your return, you can see in real time what stage your case is at. The system shows whether your return has been received, is being processed, or whether a Notice of Assessment has already been issued. If you are due a tax refund, you can see the exact amount and expected deposit date, especially if you have set up direct deposit.
For families with children, My Account provides access to information about the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), including payment schedules, amounts, and the status of your application. You can also see your GST/HST credit and Climate Action Incentive payment (formerly known as the Canada Carbon Rebate) payment history. These payments are a significant part of many Edmonton families' budgets, especially during the cold winter months when utility bills rise, so being able to track their status helps with planning expenses.
The ability to update your personal information directly through My Account is extremely useful. You can change your address, phone number, email address, and family status without having to fill out paper forms or spend hours on hold waiting for phone calls. This is especially important for new immigrants, who often move around in the first few years after arriving in Canada, looking for better housing or job opportunities. Updating your address in a timely manner ensures that you don't miss important letters from the CRA and that your payments are not delayed due to outdated information.
My Account also allows you to download a Proof of Income Statement (Option C), which is an official document confirming your income for a given year according to CRA data. This document is often required when applying for family sponsorship for immigration, obtaining social housing, or applying for certain financial assistance programs. Previously, obtaining this document required a phone call or written request and a wait of several weeks, but now you can download it instantly.
How to register for CRA My Account: three ways to access
The registration process for My Account may seem complicated to those unfamiliar with Canadian digital services, but it is actually designed for maximum accessibility. The CRA offers three different login methods to accommodate different user needs and comfort levels.
Option One: Use a Sign-In Partner (bank login)
The easiest way for most people is to use their online banking credentials from partner financial institutions. If you already use online banking with one of the major Canadian banks (such as RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, Tangerine) or credit unions (including many Alberta credit unions), you can use the same username and password to log in to My Account. This means you don't have to remember another set of login details, reducing the risk of forgetting your password and being locked out of your account.
The process is simple: on the CRA login page, select the “Sign-In Partner” option, then select your bank from the list and enter your usual banking information. The system will automatically link your bank account to your CRA tax profile. It is important to understand that the CRA does not have access to your banking information or accounts; the bank simply confirms your identity. Another advantage of this method is that many banks use multi-factor authentication (e.g., SMS codes or authentication apps), which makes your access to the CRA more secure.
Option Two: CRA User ID and Password
If you prefer to create a separate, unique account specifically for the CRA, or if your bank is not listed as a partner, you can register using a CRA User ID and password. This method requires a few extra steps, but gives you complete control over your account information.
To begin registration, you will need the following information: your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, postal code, and information from your most recent tax return. The CRA will usually ask you to enter an amount from a specific line on your most recent assessed return (for example, “How much did you report on line 15000 of your 2023 return?”). This question is designed to confirm your identity, as only you and the CRA should know these specific numbers. It is important to have a copy of your return or Notice of Assessment handy so that you can answer this question accurately.
After entering your basic information, you create your own User ID and password. The password must meet certain security requirements (usually a minimum of eight characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters). You also set up security questions that will be used to restore access if you forget your password.
A critical step is verifying your identity. The CRA offers two methods: instant verification through documents or receiving a security code by mail. For instant verification, you need a smartphone with a camera and an acceptable form of identification (Canadian passport, driver's license, or PR card). You take a photo of the document and a selfie through the CRA's secure portal, and the system automatically verifies your identity in a few minutes. If the verification is successful, you immediately get full access to all My Account features.
An alternative method is to receive a CRA Security Code by mail. After completing the initial registration, the CRA will send you a letter to your registered address with a unique security code. This letter usually arrives within five to ten business days. Until you receive this code, you will only have limited access to My Account (you can view basic information, but you cannot make changes or access complete documents). Once you enter the security code, your account will be fully activated.
Important note: After creating a User ID and password, you must also set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This is a mandatory requirement for all CRA accounts starting in October 2021. You can choose to receive one-time passwords via SMS, use a passcode grid (a special grid of codes that you download and store), or use a third-party authentication app (such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). It is recommended that you set up at least two MFA methods in case one becomes unavailable (for example, if you change your phone number).
Option Three: Provincial Partner (for Alberta residents)
Alberta residents have the additional option of logging in through their Alberta.ca Account. This is a provincial authentication system that allows you to use a single set of credentials to access various provincial and federal services. If you already have an Alberta.ca Account (for example, to register a vehicle, obtain a driver's license, or access medical records through MyHealth Records), you can use the same credentials to log in to CRA My Account. This method is especially convenient for those who regularly interact with provincial services and want to have a single point of entry for all government services.
CRA mobile apps: tax information in your pocket
For those who prefer to manage their affairs via smartphone, the CRA offers two official mobile apps that provide access to key tax and financial information anytime, anywhere.
MyCRA Mobile App: comprehensive access to tax information
MyCRA is the CRA's main mobile app and provides almost all of the features available through the web version of My Account, but optimized for mobile devices. After downloading the app from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android) and logging in with your credentials (either Sign-In Partner or CRA User ID), you will have access to the following features.
You can check the status of your returns and Notices of Assessment, see the amounts and dates of upcoming payments (including tax refunds, CCB, GST/HST credit), view your TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) and RRSP contribution limits, set up e-notifications, and update your contact information. The app also allows you to download your Proof of Income Statement directly to your phone, which is convenient when you need to provide this document quickly.
The app's interface is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are not very tech-savvy. The home screen shows an overview of your tax status with the most important dates and amounts highlighted in large, easy-to-read numbers. You can set up push notifications to alert you when the CRA has processed your return, when a payment has been deposited into your account, or when a new document is available for viewing.
MyBenefits CRA Mobile App: a specialized app for benefits
MyBenefits is a separate app focused exclusively on government benefits and entitlements. If you receive Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, or other regular payments from the federal government, this app provides detailed information about payment schedules, amounts, and changes.
The main advantage of MyBenefits is its benefits calculator, which allows you to estimate how much you may receive in the future based on your current situation. For families with children, it is possible to update information about children (for example, if a child has reached the age when payments change or stop). The app also shows your payment history, which is useful for tracking your budget and verifying that all payments have been received correctly.
Both apps are available in English and French, and although there is no Ukrainian localization, the interface is intuitive enough that even with limited English skills, most users can navigate the basic functions.
CRA Telephone Services: When Digital Solutions Are Not Suitable
Despite the convenience of online services, sometimes a phone call is the best or only way to get the information you need. The CRA maintains several telephone lines for different needs, and understanding when and how to use them can save you a lot of time.
Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS): automated help
TIPS is a fully automated telephone service available 24 hours a day at 1-800-267-6999. This line does not connect you to a live agent, but allows you to obtain basic information by entering data using your telephone keypad. TIPS can provide you with information about the status of your tax return, your estimated refund amount, your current CRA account balance, your RRSP and TFSA contribution limits, and information about official documents.
To access TIPS, you will need your Social Insurance Number, month and year of birth, and the total income from line 15000 of your last tax return (T1). Once you enter this information, the system will authenticate you and give you access to your information. The system works in both English and French, although there is no Ukrainian option.
TIPS is especially useful for quick checks on the status of your refund during tax season or when you don't have access to the internet or a computer. However, its capabilities are limited — it cannot help with specific questions about your return, resolve disputes, or make changes to your account.
Individual Income Tax Enquiries: Talk to a Live Agent
When you need help with a specific question that the automated system cannot resolve, you can call the Individual Income Tax Enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281. This line connects you to a real CRA agent who can answer complex questions, help resolve issues with your account, or explain unclear aspects of your Notice of Assessment.
The service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time (Edmonton time is Mountain Time) and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The service is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. It is important to note that wait times on this line can vary significantly depending on the season and time of day. During tax season (March-April), wait times can exceed one to two hours, while in the summer or late fall, you may be able to reach an agent in 15-30 minutes.
To maximize your chances of getting connected quickly, try calling early in the morning (right after they open at 8:00 a.m.) or late in the evening (after 6:00 p.m.). Lunchtime (approximately 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) is usually the busiest time, as many people call during their lunch break. The CRA also provides real-time information about current wait times on its website, so you can check this before calling.
Before you call, be sure to have all the necessary documents ready: your Social Insurance Number, full name and date of birth, full address, a copy of your most recent tax return and Notice of Assessment, or other tax documents related to your inquiry. The agent will ask you to confirm your identity by asking you a few questions about this information before discussing the details of your account.
It is also helpful to have specific questions written down in advance. This will help you remember all the important details during the conversation and make the interaction more efficient. After the call is complete, the agent will usually provide you with a reference or confirmation number, which you should write down and save for your records.
Progress Tracker: Track the status of your cases in real time
Progress Tracker is a relatively new tool in My Account that allows you to track the status of various requests and applications submitted to the CRA. This tool is especially useful when you are waiting for important documents or decisions to be processed.
Through Progress Tracker, you can see the status of your T1 returns (personal tax returns), T1 adjustment requests, Canada Child Benefit applications, Disability Tax Credit applications, penalty waiver requests, and appeals. For each case, the system shows the current status (received, in process, additional information required, review completed) and the expected completion date.
Typical processing times are as follows: electronically filed T1 returns are usually processed within two weeks, paper T1 returns take about eight weeks, and adjustment requests can take anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the complexity. If your case falls outside these timeframes or if the status changes to “information required,” the system will show you what action you need to take.
Progress Tracker helps reduce the anxiety associated with waiting for a decision from the CRA by providing transparency into the process. Instead of asking yourself “did they receive my documents?” or “when will I get a response?”, you can simply log into My Account and see the exact status of your case.
Updating personal information: keeping your data current
Keeping your information current in the CRA system is critical to avoiding payment delays, missed important communications, and potential tax reporting issues. My Account makes this process simple and instantaneous.
Change of address
When you move—which happens often in Edmonton, where the rental market is dynamic—you need to update your address with the CRA as soon as possible. Through My Account, you can change your address instantly by going to the Profile section and selecting Edit next to Mailing Address. The system will ask you to confirm your new address, and the change will take effect immediately. This ensures that all future correspondence from the CRA (including Notices of Assessment, cheque payments if you have not set up direct deposit, and other important communications) will be sent to the correct address.
It is important to note that changing your address with the CRA does not automatically update your address with other government organizations. You must separately notify your provincial health service (Alberta Health Services), driver's license service (Alberta Motor Vehicle Registry), Service Canada (for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, etc.), and any other government agencies with which you interact.
Updating your family status
A change in family status has a significant impact on your tax obligations and eligibility for benefits, so the CRA requires you to report such changes within one month of the change occurring. If your status changed in March, you must notify the CRA by the end of April.
Through My Account, you can update your family status if you got married, started living in a common-law partnership, got divorced, separated (for more than ninety days due to the breakdown of the relationship), or became widowed. The system will guide you through a few steps to confirm your identity and collect the necessary information about your partner (if applicable), including their name, Social Insurance Number, and address, if different from yours.
Once your family status is updated, the CRA will automatically recalculate your benefit and credit payments based on your new Adjusted Family Net Income. This may result in an increase or decrease in your Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit, and other benefits, depending on your partner's income.
Setting up direct deposit
Setting up direct deposit is one of the best decisions you can make to speed up your tax refunds and benefit payments. Instead of waiting for checks in the mail, which can get lost or delayed, the money is deposited directly into your bank account, often several days or weeks earlier.
Through My Account, you can set up or change your direct deposit information by going to Profile and selecting Edit next to Direct Deposit. You will need to enter your transit number, institution number, and account number. This information is usually found at the bottom of your checks or can be obtained through your online banking or bank branch.
It is important to note that many Canadian banks and credit unions also allow you to set up CRA direct deposit directly through their online banking platforms. If you set it up through your bank, you do not need to do it separately through My Account—the information will automatically sync with the CRA within one to two business days.
Critical caveat: After changing your direct deposit information, do not close your old bank account until you are sure that the first payment has been successfully deposited into your new account. Otherwise, the CRA may try to send the payment to the closed account, resulting in delays and the need to reprocess the payment.
Common problems and how to solve them
Even with the best systems, problems sometimes arise. Understanding the most common problems and how to solve them can save you a lot of stress and time.
Locked Account
One of the most common issues is having your account locked due to entering the wrong User ID, password, or one-time multi-factor authentication code too many times. If you enter the wrong information three to five times (depending on the type of information), your account is automatically locked for security reasons.
If your account is locked due to an incorrect one-time password for MFA, the lock is temporary and lasts only thirty minutes. You don't need to call or do anything special — just wait half an hour and try again.
For more serious locks, such as a forgotten User ID or password, you have several options. You can try to regain access through the “Forgot your user ID?” or “Forgot your password?” features on the login page. The system will ask you the security questions you answered during registration, and if you answer correctly, it will allow you to reset your credentials.
If this does not work, or if the CRA has locked your account due to suspected security compromise (which sometimes happens en masse when the CRA discovers a data breach from a third party), you will need to go through the registration process again, creating a new User ID and password. The CRA will send you a new security code by mail to complete the process.
In some cases, you may need to call the Individual Income Tax Enquiries line (1-800-959-8281) and select the option for online services. An agent can unblock your account after confirming your identity through verification questions.
RRSP or TFSA information mismatch
Sometimes users find that the information about their RRSP deduction limit or TFSA contribution room in My Account does not match their own records. This often happens because financial institutions report contributions and withdrawals to the CRA only once a year, usually at the end of February of the following year.
For example, if you made a TFSA contribution in November 2024, that transaction will only appear in your My Account in the spring of 2025, after your bank has reported it to the CRA. In the meantime, your available contribution room shown in My Account will not reflect this contribution. Therefore, the CRA strongly recommends that you use your own financial records to calculate your actual available contribution room, rather than relying solely on the figures in My Account.
If you believe that the information the CRA received from your financial institution is incorrect (for example, the transaction date or amount is wrong), you need to contact the financial institution directly, not the CRA. The institution must submit a corrected report to the CRA, and only then can the CRA update its records.
Changing your phone number and multi-factor authentication issues
If you have changed your phone number and can no longer receive MFA one-time passwords on your old number, this can be a serious problem for accessing your account. If you set up multiple MFA methods during registration (e.g., SMS and authentication app), you can use an alternative method to log in. Once logged in, you can update your phone number in Profile.
If you only set up one MFA method and it no longer works, you will need to call Individual Income Tax Enquiries (1-800-959-8281) and select the option for online services. An agent can help you update your MFA settings after confirming your identity through verification questions.
Special resources for Edmonton residents
Although most interactions with the CRA take place online or by phone, Edmonton residents also have access to some local resources.
The CRA's main office in Edmonton is located at 9700 Jasper Avenue. However, it is important to note that most CRA offices do not offer walk-in services for general tax questions. The office primarily handles documents that must be submitted in person and provides limited services by appointment. Always call ahead before visiting to confirm whether they can help with your specific question.
For free tax preparation assistance, Edmonton residents with simple tax situations and modest incomes can take advantage of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). These volunteer clinics operate at various locations throughout the city, including Edmonton Public Library branches, E4C centers, and religious organizations. Volunteers help fill out basic returns for free, although they cannot work with complex situations (such as self-employment or capital gains).
For new immigrants from Ukraine, Edmonton-based settlement organizations such as Catholic Social Services or the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers often hold tax seminars and can refer you to relevant resources. Some of these organizations also partner with CVITP and can provide assistance with basic tax filing.
Tips for using CRA My Account effectively
To maximize the benefits of My Account and avoid common pitfalls, consider these practical tips.
Register in advance, rather than waiting until you urgently need access to your information. The registration process can take anywhere from a few minutes (with instant verification) to two weeks (if you wait for a security code in the mail), so it's best to have everything ready before tax season or before an urgent issue arises.
Set up multiple multi-factor authentication methods, not just one. This ensures that you won't lose access to your account if one method becomes unavailable (for example, if you lose your phone or change your number).
Enable email notifications to receive email or text alerts about important events, such as when the CRA receives a new document for you, processes your return, or makes a payment. This helps you stay informed without having to constantly check My Account.
Update your information regularly, especially your address and contact details, as soon as any changes occur. This prevents missed notifications and delays in payments.
Keep copies of all documents you download from My Account, including Notices of Assessment, Proof of Income Statements, and other important documents. Although they are always available online, having local backups ensures that you will have access to them even if there are technical problems with the website or your internet connection.
Take screenshots or write down confirmation numbers when you make important changes or submit documents through My Account. This creates a record of your actions in case there is a dispute or question about when a particular change was made.
Conclusion: owning your tax information for financial peace of mind
For Edmonton residents, especially new immigrants from Ukraine, learning how to check your tax status through the CRA is an important skill for financial literacy and independence in Canada. CRA My Account and related digital services provide unprecedented access to your tax information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, eliminating the need to stand in line, spend hours on the phone, or wait weeks for mail-back responses.
Registering for My Account may seem a little complicated for those who are not used to Canadian digital systems, but it is well worth the investment of time. Once set up, you have complete control over your tax information, can track refunds and benefit payments in real time, instantly update your personal information, and download important documents at any time.
For those who prefer mobile solutions, the MyCRA and MyBenefits apps provide the same access in a more convenient format. And for situations where digital tools are insufficient, CRA's telephone services, although sometimes requiring patience due to wait times, provide access to live agents who can resolve complex issues.
Most importantly, don't let fear or uncertainty keep you from using these resources. The system is designed for ordinary citizens, not just accountants or lawyers. With a basic understanding of how the system works and a willingness to spend a little time on the initial setup, you can confidently manage your tax affairs, track the payments you are entitled to, and avoid problems that arise from outdated information or missed deadlines. In a world where financial information is power, accessing your tax status through the CRA gives you power over your financial future in Canada.