The CRA locks accounts to protect your sensitive financial data. Common reasons include:

This report addresses the common issue of a locked CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) My Account when attempting to use NETFILE. It outlines the primary causes of account lockouts, immediate steps to resolve the issue, and preventive measures to avoid future lockouts.

They will verify your identity over the phone, then send a temporary password or manually unlock your account. In some cases, they will mail a one-time security code to your address on file (takes 5–10 business days).

If you are staring at a screen telling you that your account has been locked or that access is revoked, you are not alone. Security measures, error attempts, and backend glitches can all lead to this situation. This comprehensive guide will explain why your account is locked, the immediate steps to take to regain access, and how to prevent this from happening in the future.

In recent years, the CRA has cracked down on security following a series of high-profile cyberattacks targeting government services. If the CRA detects that your user credentials (User ID and Password) have appeared in a data breach on another website, or if they notice suspicious activity on your account, they may proactively revoke your access. This is often called "Revoked User ID."

| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Account locked due to failed attempts | Wait 24 hours OR use Sign-in Partner | | Can’t wait to file taxes | Use NETFILE software directly (no login needed) | | Lockout persists after 24 hours | Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 | | Forgotten password | Use “Forgot your password?” after lockout ends |