The short version
- Forgot your user ID or password, or locked out by wrong answers? CRA now lets you simply register again for a new credential and get back into the same account.
- Wrong one-time passcode too many times locks you out for 30 minutes. Repeated lockouts can block the account until you contact CRA.
- New phone number and no other passcode method? Use another method you registered; if you have none, you need to call CRA.
- CRA sign-in is down every night from 3 am to 6 am Eastern, and for planned weekends (the next one: October 16 to 19, 2026).
- Lost or expired security code? Request a new one, or verify with photo ID and a selfie for immediate access.
Can't Log Into My CRA Account
There are two kinds of CRA login problems: the ones you fix in five minutes on your own, and the ones that need a phone call and patience. The trick is knowing which one you have before you spend an hour on hold for something a new registration would have solved. Here's the sorting table.
Find Your Problem
| What you see | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "User ID or password incorrect" | Wrong credentials | Use the forgot user ID / password links; or register again for a new credential |
| Locked out after wrong passcodes | Temporary lock, 30 minutes | Wait, then try once, carefully. No need to call for a temporary lock |
| Locked out repeatedly | Account blocked | Register again, or contact CRA to unlock |
| Passcode never arrives | Phone changed, VoIP number, or text blocked | Resend; switch from text to call; use your app or passcode grid |
| No passcode method works at all | No backup registered | Call CRA (see how to contact CRA) |
| Security code expired or lost | Mailed code past its date | Request a new one, or use document verification |
| Bank sign-in no longer works | Changed or closed bank (Sign-In Partner) | Register a CRA user ID instead, or link your new bank |
| "Service unavailable" | Maintenance window | Try after 6 am Eastern, or after the maintenance weekend |
| Account locked for suspicious activity | CRA protecting you | Call CRA; check for fraud on your return and benefits |
Still stuck?
Tell the assistant the exact message on the screen and what you have tried. It tells you whether to re-register, wait, or call, and what to have ready when you do.
The Re-Register Fix
For years, forgetting your password and your security questions meant a phone call. CRA now says users locked out because they forgot their credentials can register again for a new credential and regain access to the same account. You'll need what you needed the first time: SIN, date of birth and amounts from your latest assessed return. Then verify your identity again, instantly with photo ID or by mailed code. The full process is on how to create a CRA account.
Before You Call
- Try another browser or device, clear cookies, switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data. CRA lists this first for a reason.
- Check the time. Nothing works from 3 am to 6 am Eastern.
- Have ready: SIN, date of birth, your address on file, and your latest notice of assessment.
- Call the right line: individual enquiries for personal accounts, business enquiries for My Business Account.
Can't get in, but you have the paper letter?
Upload a photo of it. The analyzer explains what it says, the deadline and what to do, so the login problem doesn't make you miss it.
When It Might Be Fraud
If CRA locked your account for suspicious activity, or you get an email that your address, banking or email was changed and you didn't do it, treat it as identity theft. Call CRA immediately, check your returns and benefit payments for changes you didn't make, and watch your credit report. Remember the rule: CRA doesn't use text messages and never demands payment by gift card, e-transfer or crypto. If a balance shows up you don't recognize, see CRA says I owe money I don't owe. Deadlines don't pause while you're locked out; objections still run on the objection deadline.
CRA Login Questions
What do I do if I forgot my CRA user ID and password?
Use the forgot user ID or forgot password options on the sign-in page. If you also forgot your security questions, you can register again for a new credential and regain access to your account.
How long is a CRA account locked out?
Entering the wrong one-time passcode too many times locks you out temporarily for 30 minutes. Repeated lockouts can require you to contact CRA or register again.
What if I changed my phone number and can’t get the CRA passcode?
Use another passcode method you registered, such as an authenticator app or passcode grid. If you have none, contact CRA to update your options.
Why is CRA My Account not working?
Sign-in services are unavailable daily from 3 am to 6 am Eastern and during scheduled maintenance weekends. Otherwise, try another browser or device and clear your cache.
My CRA security code expired. What now?
Request a new security code in your account, or verify your identity with the document verification service using photo ID and a selfie for immediate access.
Sources: CRA, Locked account; Multi-factor authentication; CRA account availability. Checked October 2026. CRA doesn't publish how many wrong attempts trigger a lock, or exactly how many lockouts block an account; the 30-minute figure is for one-time passcodes. Maintenance dates after October 2026 are posted by CRA through the year.
Last reviewed October 5, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.