CRA My Business Account: Everything You Need to Set Up
CRA My Business Account (MyBA) is the single most important online tool for Canadian corporation owners. It's where you file returns, check balances, view notices, and make payments. Yet many new corp owners either don't know it exists or struggle through the registration process. This guide will get you set up and productive.
What Is My Business Account?
My Business Account is the CRA's self-service portal for businesses. Think of it as your corporation's dashboard with the federal government. Through MyBA, you can:
- File GST/HST returns and view filing history
- Check your corporation's balance owing or refund status
- View and download Notices of Assessment
- Update business information (address, fiscal year-end, authorized representatives)
- Make payments and set up pre-authorized debits
- Correspond with CRA through secure messaging
It's separate from My Account (the personal version). You need both if you're a sole director paying yourself a salary.
Registration Process
Before you can access MyBA, you need a few things in place. Here's the exact sequence.
Step 1: Confirm You Have a Business Number
Your BN is a 9-digit number assigned by CRA when you registered your corporation. It looks like this: 123456789. Each program account appends two letters and four digits (e.g., 123456789RT0001 for GST/HST).
If you incorporated through BC Registries and checked the box for federal registration, you should already have one. Otherwise, register through CRA's Business Registration Online.
Step 2: Choose Your Sign-in Method
You have two options:
| Sign-in Method | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CRA Sign-in Partner | Use your online banking credentials (e.g., TD, RBC, Desjardins) | Fastest setup, no separate login to remember |
| CRA User ID and Password | Create a dedicated CRA login | If your bank isn't a partner, or you prefer separate credentials |
Most people choose the sign-in partner method. It uses your bank's authentication without sharing banking data with CRA.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
CRA will ask you to confirm details about your business to verify ownership. Have these ready:
- Your 9-digit Business Number
- Your corporation's legal name (exactly as registered)
- A recent filing or notice (e.g., your latest GST return or Notice of Assessment)
- Your corporation's fiscal year-end date
Step 4: CRA Security Code
After initial verification, CRA mails a security code to your business address on file. This is a physical letter. It typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
Once you enter the security code, you'll have full access to your MyBA dashboard.
Navigating the Dashboard
Once inside, the dashboard can feel cluttered. Here are the sections that matter most for a small corporation.
| Section | What You'll Use It For |
|---|---|
| Accounts overview | See all program accounts (RC, RT, RP) and balances |
| File a return | Submit GST/HST returns, payroll remittances |
| View and pay balances | Check amounts owing, make payments |
| Correspondence | Read CRA letters and notices digitally |
| Manage authorized representatives | Add your accountant or bookkeeper |
| Update business info | Change address, phone, banking details |
Adding an Authorized Representative
If you work with an accountant, they'll need access to your business account. The process works in two directions:
- Your accountant submits an authorization request through their Represent a Client portal
- You confirm the request inside your MyBA under "Manage authorized representatives"
Your accountant will need your BN and your full legal corporation name. Once authorized, they can file returns and view your account on your behalf.
Filing Returns Through MyBA
You can file GST/HST returns directly through the portal. Navigate to "File a return" and select the appropriate period. The system pre-fills your BN and reporting period.
For GST/HST, you'll enter:
- Line 101: Total revenue (including GST/HST collected)
- Line 105: Total GST/HST collected or collectible
- Line 108: Total Input Tax Credits (ITCs) claimed
- Line 109: Net tax (calculated automatically)
Making Payments
CRA accepts several payment methods through MyBA:
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online banking (bill payment) | 1-3 business days | Add CRA as a payee in your bank; use your 15-character account number |
| Pre-authorized debit | Scheduled date | Set up through MyBA; good for recurring payments |
| CRA My Payment (Visa Debit, Interac Online) | Immediate | No credit cards; only debit-based methods |
The most common method is paying through your business bank account's bill payment feature. Search for "Federal - Corporation Tax Payments" or the specific program (GST/HST, Payroll) and enter your full program account number as the payee account.
Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong account number for payments. Your BN alone isn't enough. You need the full 15-character program account number (e.g., 123456789RT0001). Payments applied to the wrong account sit in limbo until CRA reallocates them, and you may get charged interest in the meantime.
Not checking correspondence. CRA sends digital notices about reassessments, interest charges, and requests for information. If you only check MyBA at tax time, you could miss important deadlines.
Forgetting to update your address. If your registered office address changes, update it in both BC Registries and CRA separately. They don't sync automatically.
How ledg Helps
ledg tracks your GST/HST collected and Input Tax Credits throughout the year, so when it's time to file through MyBA, your numbers are ready. No scrambling through bank statements at the last minute.
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