What to do if cra account is locked?

If you are reading this article you probably experienced having your CRA Account Locked.  This can come from a few different issues and or errors when trying to login.  One common way to have your account locked is by not being able to enter your password correctly when trying to retrieve your account.  If you forgot your account password then there is a way to still be able to retrieve it still.  Follow our article on CRA Password Reset to help retrieve your password.  The other way to locking your account is if you also don't remember your User ID when trying to log in.  Both these ways are very common among many tax filers when trying to access your account.

More recently The Canada Revenue Agency has locked out about 1 million online accounts due to security issues this past spring.  Their major concern was that some of these tax filers had their accounts obtained by third parties.  So by locking out all user accounts, it forced many people to have to contact the CRA to reset their passwords and user ID's.  As of the time of this article, those accounts are now all in the clear and solved.  If you have any issues in regards to your CRA Account Locked, let us know as Accufile is here to help.

If your account is now locked from too many attempts to use your password and or user ID, the first recommendation by the CRA is to call them at 1-800-959-8281. They will be able to set you up with a new password to help you be able to reset and be able to log back into your account.

The other way in being able to log back in that many do not know is by using your BC Services Card details.  Of course this is only for British Columbians, but they have the ability to use their card information to be able to log back in.

The third way that is very common is by logging in through your bank details.  Yes many think it is very strange that the CRA uses your bank login details to verify you.  However this is a very secure way of keeping your identity secure as you and only you know your account details.  When the Canada Revenue Agency directs you after your CRA Account Locked efforts are not working, choose the Sign In partner Login / Register in order to use your banking details to verify your identity.

During this time they will mail you a new unique password that you can use to get back into the system.  Yes the mail can be time consuming and can take approximately 10 days.

There are many ways you can still file a tax return without your information.  You may contact Accufile to have us file the return for you as we will be able to retrieve the important information we need to file your return.  We have the ability to request authority to access your account and as well be able to use the Auto-fill service.  Once we begin your tax return we will be able to complete using the information we need on file.  Take advantage of our online Certified Accountants today for only $25 per personal return.

Once you have your account back up after your CRA Account Locked, you will want to take certain measures to make sure that this does not happen again.  Here is a list to help:

Taking these type of measures will help you stay on top of your account and watch for any suspicious activity.  Also keep your passwords and user ID's in a safe place so that you can locate them in the event of not being able to login.  Loosing your login details and having your CRA Account Locked keeps you from obtaining very important information.  These are the benefits of using your My CRA Account:

Multi-factor authentication is an enhanced security measure. It helps protect your personal information. This mandatory step helps prevent unauthorized access to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You will need to confirm your identity each time you access MSCA.

Note: This step does not apply to BC Services Card users. You will be asked to confirm your identity on the BC Services Card app.

To register for multi-factor authentication:

Download a free secure authenticator app on your device (smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop). The app will create a security code. Enter the code on the multi-factor authentication page to confirm your identity. No personal information is shared between the third party app and the Government of Canada.

Provide your cell phone number to receive a security code by text message (SMS). You can provide a local or international phone number. Enter the code you received to confirm your identity.

Provide your phone number (cell phone or landline) to receive a security code by voice message. You can provide a local or international phone number. Enter the code you received to confirm your identity.

Use the MSCA Passcode Grid option if you don’t have a telephone or a smart device. A unique Passcode Grid will be created just for you. You will need to save or print it for future use each time you sign in to MSCA. It is a table made up of numbered rows and lettered columns, with unique values in each cell. Enter the requested combination of values to confirm your identity. Your MSCA Passcode Grid will expire after 24 months.

Once your identity is confirmed, you will have access to MSCA. You’ll need to enter a security code to confirm your identity each time you sign in to MSCA.

You can reset your multi-factor authentication security option if you:

Here's what you can do if your account is locked: Use a different login method to sign into your My Account – you can use a different CRA user ID and password (if you had one set up), your banking login, or your BC Services card.