Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is introducing a backup multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirement for users. If a user has not already set up backup MFA, they will be given this option at the time of sign-in. During the tax filing season, users can temporarily skip this step, but for future security, adding a backup option is recommended.
Why This Update Is Important
Every year millions of Canadians access CRA accounts. The main purpose of this new feature is:
- To strengthen account security
- To provide backup if the primary MFA option is lost
- To reduce account lockouts
- To reduce load on CRA call centres
This will help CRA representatives focus better on complex tax and benefit queries, especially during the peak tax season period.
How To Add Backup MFA Option
When you sign in to your CRA account, you will receive a prompt to add backup MFA.
You will have the following options:
- Third-party authenticator app
- Passcode grid
- Set up backup option later
If you set it up immediately, you will need to enter a one-time passcode (OTP) for activation.
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Available Backup Options (Table)
| Option Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Authenticator App | Secure code through mobile app |
| Passcode Grid | Grid system of pre-generated codes |
| Setup Later | Option to set up in the future |
Important Points
- After adding backup MFA, you can choose which MFA method to use at every login
- This feature comes with an optional skip (especially during tax season)
- Having a backup option makes account recovery easier
CRA Objective
This update is part of CRA’s continuous efforts to improve:
- Digital security
- Helping users manage their tax and benefits with confidence
- Ensuring safe and independent access
The goal of CRA is to ensure users can securely manage their accounts without any interruption.
Final Summary
Backup MFA is an additional layer of security that:
- Enhances account protection
- Avoids lockout situations
- Makes user experience smoother
Therefore, setting up backup MFA is strongly recommended for users to avoid any issues in the future.
