Tax Tip - The CRA is enhancing security for online income tax and benefit return filing

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Canada Revenue Agency

Sep 22, 2026, 09:02 ET

OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- For the upcoming tax season, beginning February 22, 2027, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is introducing a new authentication step to enhance the security of online tax filing for individuals, authorized representatives, and tax preparers.

To complete the authentication step, users will be required to sign in to their CRA account. While this step is optional, completing it adds an extra layer of security by verifying that you are filing or adjusting a tax return for yourself or are authorized to file or adjust a tax return on behalf of another individual.

Any user with an existing CRA account that is locked, restricted, or otherwise inaccessible should resolve these issues before filing.

Here's how it works for different users:

For Individuals and authorized representatives

  • Individuals and authorized representatives can use the NETFILE service in tax software to electronically file a tax return to the CRA.
  • When filing a 2026 tax return using NETFILE, you can choose to authenticate yourself by signing in to your CRA account.
  • This optional authentication step confirms your identity and verifies that you are filing a return for yourself or are authorized to file on behalf of another individual.
  • Once authenticated, you can proceed with filing the tax return using NETFILE.

First-time filers with no prior filing history will not have access to a CRA account and cannot choose to authenticate themselves when filing a tax return. However, they can still file their return using NETFILE. An authorized representative can also file a tax return on their behalf and choose to authenticate themselves.

For Tax Preparers and EFILE Users

  • EFILE is a secure and efficient service used by tax preparers and volunteers to electronically file tax returns to the CRA.
  • When filing a 2026 tax return using EFILE, you can choose to authenticate yourself by signing in to your CRA account.
  • This optional authentication step confirms your identity as the individual initiating the filing transaction. It does not require you to be an authorized representative of the taxpayer.
    • Volunteers participating in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) will follow the same authentication process as other EFILE users
  • Once authentication is successfully completed, you can proceed with filing tax returns via EFILE.

While your session remains active, you can continue filing returns without having to authenticate again. Authentication will only be required again after the session has ended.

Why complete the authentication step? 

The new authentication step is designed to make filing your taxes online safer and more secure, whether you're filing for yourself, making changes to a previous return, or helping someone else.

The CRA is introducing this step to:

  • Enhance security: Authenticating yourself by signing in to your CRA account adds an extra layer of protection to your personal and financial information.
  • Prevent fraud: Verifying users through their CRA account helps prevent unauthorized filings and fraudulent returns.

For your 2026 tax return, authenticating yourself is optional, giving you the opportunity to try it out and become familiar with the process. This supports the CRA's ongoing commitment to modernizing services and protecting taxpayer information.

Make sure you are registered for a CRA account

Now is the perfect time to ensure you're prepared to authenticate yourself when filing your taxes. If you don't already have one, take a moment to register for a CRA accounthttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/cra-login-services/register-cra-sign-in-services.html. If your account is locked or restricted, you can quickly resolve this with our self-service options that are available to help you regain access without needing to call

While you're at it, take a few extra steps to secure and update your account. Add a backup multi-factor authentication (MFA) method and ensure your personal information is up to date.

Don't wait--get ready for the upcoming tax season by registering or signing in to your CRA account today!

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Revenue Agency
613-948-8366
[email protected]

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SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency

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Canada Revenue Agency