How to check your tax status through the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)?

In today's digital world, the Canada Revenue Agency offers Calgary residents several convenient ways to check their tax status without visiting an office. The most important and convenient way is the CRA My Account online service, which gives you access to all your tax information 24/7. Mobile apps, automated telephone services, and traditional channels of communication with the agency are also available.

Understanding the different ways to verify your information will help you save time, avoid stress during tax season, and not miss important deadlines, benefits, and payments. The CRA is constantly improving its services to make them even more accessible and secure for all taxpayers.

CRA My Account — the main online portal

What is My Account?

CRA My Account is a secure personal account where you can:

  • View Notices of Assessment and tax returns
  • Track tax refunds and payments
  • Apply for benefits (Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST credit)
  • Update your personal information (address, direct deposit)
  • Communicate securely with the CRA
  • Download a Proof of Income Statement (Option C)
  • Track the status of your cases through the Progress Tracker

Who can use it?

You can register for access to My Account if you have:

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Filed and assessed tax return for the current or previous year

IMPORTANT: If you need to view another person's information (even a family member), you must be an authorized representative — use the “Represent a Client” service.

How to register for My Account

OPTION 1: CRA User ID and password

Create a separate account for the CRA:

  • Fill in your personal information (SIN, date of birth, amount from line 15000 of your last tax return, postal code)
  • Verification:
  • with documents — via photo and selfie (instant access)
  • or by receiving a security code by mail (5–10 business days)
  • Secure your account (password, security questions, multi-factor authentication)

OPTION 2: Sign-In Partner

Use your online banking credentials (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, etc., credit unions)

  • No need to create new passwords
  • Access through a familiar banking interface

OPTION 3: Provincial Partner

For Alberta residents — option to log in via Alberta.ca Account.

New document verification (effective April 2024)

  • Instead of waiting for a code in the mail, instantly verify your identity through Interac:
  1. Select the type of document (passport, driver's license, photo ID)
  2. Use your mobile device to photograph your ID
  3. Pass the biometric liveness check (selfie)
  4. Get instant access to your account

Requirements:

  • Age 16 or older
  • Mobile device with camera
  • Original valid document (passport temporarily unavailable)

Not accepted: medical cards, expired, damaged documents, or those that are wanted.

CRA mobile apps

MyCRA Mobile App

Allows you to:

  • Check the status of your returns and notices of assessment
  • View the amounts and dates of upcoming payments
  • Find out your TFSA and RRSP contribution limits
  • Sign up for e-notifications
  • Update your contact information, set up direct deposit
  • Download your Proof of Income Statement

You can find:

  • Certified EFILE professionals and the software you need
  • Search for free tax clinics
  • Charitable contribution calculator

MyBenefits CRA Mobile App

Detailed information about government benefits and their payments.

  • View payment dates and amounts
  • CCB application status
  • Benefit calculator, update child information

Telephone services

Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS)

  • 24/7, number: 1-800-267-6999
  • Return status, payments, balance, contribution limits, official documents

To access, you will need: SIN, month+year of birth, amount from line 150 of your last return.

Direct call to CRA agents

  • Personal taxes: 1-800-959-8281 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
  • Business taxes: 1-800-959-5525 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
  • Additional services: Individual tax balance: 1-866-474-8272, DTC: 1-800-232-1966, payment arrangements: 1-888-863-8657

Tips:

  • Call early in the morning or late in the evening
  • Have your SIN, date of birth, proof of address, Notice of Assessment, and questions written down

Progress Tracker

In My Account, you can see the status of:

  • T1 returns
  • Adjustment requests (T1 adj.)
  • Applications for CCB, DTC, penalty waivers, appeals

Status examples:

  • Received
  • In progress
  • Information requested
  • Review complete

Typical timeframes:

  • e-T1 — 2 weeks
  • Paper T1 — 8 weeks
  • Adjustments — 2–8 weeks

Online chat and additional support

  • My Account has a live chat with an agent for questions about your account, navigation, and technical support
  • CRA Chatbot — automated answers to frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

Access:

  • Forgot your login/password: reset on the login page
  • Problems with bank login — check that your details are correct, do not use autofill on other devices
  • Update your browser, try a different one, clear your cookies

Verification:

  • Photo/doc cannot be read — try different lighting, check the lens for dirt

Security and confidentiality

  • SSL encryption, automatic logout, multi-factor authentication
  • For MFA: SMS, authenticator, or passcode grid card
  • If you notice suspicious activity, change your password, contact the CRA (1-800-959-8281), and fill out the online form

CRA contacts in Calgary

  • Alberta Tax Services Office: 220 4th Avenue South East, Calgary AB T2G 0L1, fax: 403-264-5843 No in-person service — drop box for documents only

  • Mailing address for returns: Canada Revenue Agency Winnipeg Tax Centre

Post Office Box 14001, Station Main Winnipeg MB R3C 3M3

  • TTY (for people with hearing impairments): 1-800-665-0354
  • Video Relay Service: via a special app

Tips for effective use

  • Register in advance, don't wait until the deadlines
  • Set up direct deposit for quick refunds
  • Enable electronic notifications
  • Update your information (address, contact details) regularly
  • Keep copies of all documents, screenshots of confirmations, and transaction numbers

Conclusion: CRA My Account and related digital services give Calgary residents the most convenient access to tax information and efficient interaction with the tax authorities. Don't delay registration — it guarantees control over your tax history and gives you peace of mind about your financial affairs!