How to Set Up Your My Business Account with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Expanding your business into Canada comes with opportunities and responsibilities. One of the most important first steps for any business operating in Canada is registering for a CRA My Business Account through the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) secure online portal. This account allows you to manage taxes, payroll, GST/HST, and other business-related obligations conveniently in one place.

If you’re a company or sole proprietor setting up in Canada, this guide will walk you through how to register, log in, and get started with your CRA My Business Account. We’ll also show you how to use payment tools to handle any international transactions.

What Is CRA My Business Account?

CRA My Business Account is the Canada Revenue Agency’s digital service for businesses. It provides secure access to manage tax filings, view account balances, make payments, and communicate directly with the CRA.

It’s especially useful for:

• Filing GST/HST and corporate income tax returns
• Managing payroll remittances
• Viewing correspondence from the CRA
• Updating banking and contact information
• Authorizing representatives, like accountants

In practice, the portal works as your central hub for nearly all tax-related activities. You can submit returns and track the status of filings, set up reminders for payment deadlines, and monitor any audits or compliance requests. Rather than relying solely on phone calls or mail, you can log in anytime to manage your responsibilities. It’s especially useful as the CRA may take some time to respond to queries, particularly during tax season.

How to set up a CRA My Business Account

Step 1: Register for CRA My Business Account

Before you can use the CRA’s online tools, you’ll need to go through the CRA My Business Account registration process. Here’s how:

1. Obtain a Business Number (BN)

• If you don’t already have one, you may need to register for a Business Number with the CRA.¹ This number is a unique identifier that the CRA assigns to each business, used for all tax matters in Canada.

2. Gather Your Information

• Business Number (BN)
• Social Insurance Number (if you are a sole proprietor)
• Personal tax information (for validation)
• Corporate documents, if applicable
• Up-to-date mailing address, since this is where CRA will send your security code²

3. Go to CRA My Business Account Registration Page

• You can register online through the CRA’s secure portal.
• You’ll need to create login credentials through either:
  • A CRA user ID and password, or
  • A Sign-In Partner (using login details from your Canadian bank or credit union)³

4. Wait for Your Security Code

• After registration, the CRA will mail a security code to your address on file.
• You’ll need this code to complete registration, which typically takes 5–10 business days.
• Once entered, your account will be fully activated, giving you complete access to CRA services.

Step 2: CRA Business Login – Accessing Your Account

Once you’ve registered, the next step is logging in. To complete your CRA business login, use either your CRA credentials or your Sign-In Partner credentials.

From there, you’ll be able to:

• View balances for different tax accounts
• File returns online
• Make tax payments electronically
• Set up direct deposit for refunds

For security, CRA now requires multi-factor authentication. Each login attempt may involve a one-time passcode sent by phone or through an authenticator app.

Step 3: How to Add a Business to My CRA Account

If you own multiple businesses, you may be wondering, “How to add a business to my CRA account?” While each business you own will have separate business numbers, you can add them to a single CRA sign-in to switch seamlessly between multiple My Business Account profiles under one login.

Here’s the process:

1. Log in to your CRA My Business Account.
2. Select “Add account” > Business account and provide the required Business Number.
3. Once verified, your additional business will appear in your account dashboard.

Each business will have its own program accounts (Payroll and GST/HST, for instance), making it easier to separate tax obligations and avoid confusion when filing or paying.

Step 4: Using Canada Revenue Agency My Account vs. CRA My Business Account

It’s important not to confuse Canada Revenue Agency My Account (for individuals) with CRA My Business Account (for businesses).

• My Account (individuals): Used for personal tax information, benefits, and credits.
• My Business Account (businesses): Use for business tax filing, payroll, and GST/HST.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll need both — My Account for personal income tax in Canada, and My Business Account to manage your company’s obligations. This distinction becomes particularly important for sole proprietors because their personal and business taxes are legally linked but reported separately.

Wise Business Could Help Your Company Save on Global Payments

International Businesses – What to Keep in Mind

For foreign companies setting up in Canada, registering for a CRA My Business Account ensures you comply with Canadian tax laws. Some important considerations include:

• Payroll for international staff: If you’re hiring Canadian employees, payroll accounts must be set up through your CRA Business Account. This will allow you to remit income tax, CPP, and EI contributions correctly.
• GST/HST obligations: Foreign businesses selling in Canada may need to register for GST/HST, which is managed via CRA My Business Account. Even digital service providers based outside of Canada often need to collect sales tax.
• Cross-border payments: International companies often face challenges in paying suppliers, contractors, or transferring profits across currencies. Using a global tool like Wise Business can help manage these needs efficiently, offering low-cost international payments at the real mid-market rate.

Pairing your CRA Business Account with a Wise Business account, in this case, becomes highly effective.

Common Challenges When Registering a CRA Business Account

While the process is straightforward, some common challenges include:

• Mail delays for the security code (particularly if you’re an international business without a Canadian address).
• Difficulty verifying personal tax information for non-residents.
• Needing multiple program accounts (GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax).
• Managing representative access: Businesses that work with accountants or legal advisors must take time to authorize them properly in the system.

Planning ahead and gathering the right documents can help avoid delays. If you work with an accountant in Canada, you can also authorize them to be a representative through CRA My Business Account to manage your filings.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your CRA Business Account is an important step for any business operating in Canada, especially for international companies expanding into the Canadian market. From registering your Business Number to completing your CRA business login and learning how to add a business to your CRA account, the process ensures your company remains compliant with tax and payroll obligations.

For businesses handling cross-border payments, combining CRA My Business Account with Wise Business provides a complete solution, helping you stay compliant while also enabling transparent, cost-effective international money transfers.

Taking the time to set up your CRA Business Account correctly not only keeps you compliant with the Canada Revenue Agency but also positions your business for smooth operations and growth in Canada.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments. Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Use Wise Business >>

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers
• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local
• Business Debit Card: Invite your employees to order a debit card for free, and pre-set their spending limit. Add them to your Business account with controlled access and track their spending in one place.
• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local
• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met
• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices
• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: Canada based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

Sources:

1. When you need a BN | CRA
2. How to Sign Up for CRA My Business Account | Think Accounting
3. Register for a CRA Account | CRA