How Can Canadian Charities Manage Their CRA Business Account?

Every registered charity in Canada deals with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) online. That happens through My Business Account, or MyBA for short.

MyBA is where charities file annual returns, update director information, and handle CRA correspondence. Soon, it won't just be convenient. It will be mandatory.

CRA has confirmed that all registered charities must file their T3010 return electronically through MyBA starting in 2027. Right now, only about 30% of Canadian charities actually use the system. That gap is why getting MyBA access sorted out now matters more than ever.

This guide covers what MyBA is, why access is sometimes harder to get than it should be, and exactly how your charity can get set up.

What Is a CRA MyBA Account?

Quick answer: MyBA is the CRA's online portal for businesses and charities to manage their accounts.

Despite the name, MyBA isn't just for businesses. Every registered charity uses it too.

Through MyBA, a charity can:

• File its annual return (T3010)
• Update director, address, or contact information
• View correspondence and notices from CRA
• Manage authorized representatives

Think of it as your charity's front door to the CRA. Almost everything now runs through it.

Why Your Charity Needs MyBA Access

Short version: without it, your charity can't file, update, or communicate with CRA properly.

A CRA business account matters for three main reasons:

• Filing returns. Charities must submit a T3010 annually so CRA can review finances and operations.
• Updating key information. New directors, address changes, or updated activities all need to be reported.
• Staying compliant. Regular updates through MyBA help charities avoid penalties or the loss of charitable status.

CRA has also moved most of its charity correspondence online. That means MyBA isn't just for filing anymore. It's how CRA talks to your charity.

How Hard Is It to Get MyBA Access?

Short answer: usually not technically hard, but it can be a headache if your charity's records with CRA are outdated.

Most access problems come from one root cause: the charity hasn't kept CRA updated. Here's what commonly goes wrong:

• Directors resigned or changed, but CRA was never told
• A director's T3010 entry accidentally included an end date, making CRA think they've left the board
• CRA doesn't have a director's Social Insurance Number (SIN) on file
• Nobody currently involved with the charity has ever had online access
• Listed directors can no longer be reached

CRA requires a director's SIN before granting that person online access. Without it, they're stuck with offline-only access by phone or mail.

A quick note on scope: this process applies to registered charities, not general non-profits. Non-profits that aren't registered charities have to go through the CRA Business Enquiries line, which is a much slower path. Registered charities can typically resolve issues online or through a short call to the CRA Charities Directorate.

Typical Timelines for Getting MyBA Access

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The Easiest Path to Access

If a current director already has their SIN on file with CRA, that person can usually:

1. Log in to their own personal CRA account (or use a Sign-In Partner, like their bank)
2. Add the charity's Business Number (BN)
3. Gain access to the charity's MyBA services directly

If something doesn't go through smoothly, call the CRA Charities Directorate's Digital Concierge line at 1-800-267-2384. It typically takes about two minutes to sort out.

For lawyers, accountants, and consultants, access usually comes through Represent a Client. The charity authorizes the representative's RepID inside MyBA, and access is granted right away.

Steps to Set Up Your Charity's MyBA Access

Here's the full process, broken into three stages.

Step 1: Set Up a Personal CRA Account

Before you can access your charity's account, you need your own CRA login.

1. Go to the CRA's sign-in page and select "My Business Account."
2. Sign in with a CRA user ID and password, or use a Sign-In Partner such as your bank.
3. Answer the security questions to verify your identity.
4. Link your personal account to your charity's Business Number.

Step 2: Get Authorized by the Charity

Access isn't automatic. Someone with proper authority, usually a director, has to formally authorize each person who needs access.

Once authorized, that person can log in and manage the charity's MyBA account directly.

Step 3: Know What You Can Do Once You're In

With access granted, an authorized user can:

• View the charity's financial records
• File the annual T3010 return and other required forms
• Update director, address, and organizational details

Your Responsibilities as an Authorized User

Access comes with real responsibility, not just convenience.

• Legal duty. Directors and officers must ensure the charity follows CRA rules. Non-compliance can create personal liability.
• Accurate records. Keep clear records of every submission and update made through MyBA.
• Regular check-ins. Log in periodically so deadlines and account details don't slip through the cracks.

It's worth having more than one director comfortable with MyBA. If only one person has access and they become unreachable, the whole charity can get stuck.

Free CRA Training: Video Walkthrough

CRA has an official YouTube walkthrough covering online services for charities:

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What Happens If You Don't Keep Up with CRA Requirements?

Falling behind on MyBA and CRA filings carries real consequences.

• Loss of charitable status. Missed returns or outdated information can lead CRA to revoke registration, ending your ability to issue donation receipts.
• Financial penalties. Non-compliance can trigger fines on top of everything else.
• Reputational damage. Donors and partners lose confidence in a charity that can't keep its own filings in order.

With mandatory electronic T3010 filing arriving in 2027, charities that wait too long to fix access issues will be dealing with this under real time pressure. Sorting it out now, while there's no deadline looming, is far easier than doing it in a rush next year.

Get Expert Help with Your CRA Business Account

At B.I.G. Charity Law Group, we help Canadian charities navigate CRA compliance with confidence. From account access issues to filing requirements, our team can help protect your charity's status and keep your organization running smoothly.

Contact us at 416-488-5888, email dov.goldberg@charitylawgroup.ca, or book a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CRA registration number? 

A unique identifier CRA assigns to registered charities, usually starting with 10001 followed by four digits. It must appear on all official donation receipts and in CRA correspondence.

What sanctions can CRA impose on charities? 

Penalties range from education letters and monetary fines to suspension of receipting privileges and full revocation of charitable status, depending on severity.

What are the basic charity tax rules in Canada? 

Charities are exempt from income tax but must spend a minimum percentage of assets annually on charitable activities, avoid prohibited political activity, issue proper donation receipts, and avoid providing undue private benefit.

Can a charity own a for-profit business? 

Yes, if the business supports the charity's purpose or its profits fund charitable work. Unrelated commercial activity can put charitable status at risk.

What are the charity reporting requirements? 

Charities must file a T3010 return within six months of their fiscal year-end, including financial details, program information, and governance data.

How long must charities keep financial records? 

At least six years after the end of the fiscal year they relate to, including receipts, bank statements, donation records, and board minutes.

Do charities have to file returns even though they're tax-exempt? 

Yes. The T3010 is mandatory every year regardless of tax-exempt status. Missing it can lead to penalties or loss of registration.

Is MyBA access mandatory now? 

Not yet, but it will be by 2027, when CRA requires all charities to file T3010 electronically through MyBA.

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