I have spoken about My CRA before; it allows access to your CRA account. The error I received (Error – ERR.021) was shocking. Updates for this can be found here.
I am now locked out from this with the following screen:
The access I used was using my Banking Access (i.e. my bank card log-in credentials). I have not applied for CERB (as background).
I managed to call the CRA and was told that someone would call me back about the ERR.021 issue. This would allow me to get access to my account. I was attempting to see what my RRSP room was (as background).
Then I received the following email to the email address I have on file with the CRA.
So now, I cannot log into my CRA account, and I cannot receive emails either. I will receive something using Canada Post, explaining what is going on and how to fix this issue.
The CBC has posted the following:
Christopher Doody, a CRA media relations representative, said in an email it was meant “as a security precaution in the context of ongoing investigative work, and is not due to a cyber security breach of CRA systems.” He said affected users can expect a letter in the mail with instructions on how to unlock their account.
CRA locks online accounts amid investigation, leaving users worried – CBC
Current Status
Still locked out of my CRA account. The conjecture is that my log-in credentials were being sold on the Dark Web. (February 17)
The CRA answered my tweet with the following:
Hi there! We will work with impacted individuals to re-establish their credentials and unlock their accounts. (1/3)
— Canada Revenue Agency (@CanRevAgency) February 22, 2021
No phone call, and no letter as of yet either. The Dark Web Sale may have been of older data. However, it can’t fault CRA for security. I can fault them for their slow response. I have a T4 and most of my other tax forms, but I can’t actually check with CRA or submit my taxes yet. (March 1, 2020)
I will have to dedicate a whole day to doing this too. Yea! (March 3)
The call was made, I spent 4 minutes going through menus. They were too busy, so they hung up. 🤦🏻🤦🏽🤦♀️ (March 4)
Finally, Success!
I called on Monday at 8:05 AM (EST) (March 8) and finally got through after a short (10 minute) wait. Lots of resetting things, but I now have access to My CRA account.
You will need to set up:
- A new 6 digit PIN Number for calls with CRA in the future
- Have your 2019 return in front of you to answer questions
- Have all of your direct deposit banking information as well
- Your cell phone number for Multi-Level Authentication
- An Email Address for correspondence.
(March 8)
And Now a Knuckleball
I just got the same email as before saying my account is now suspended. The problem is I can still log in using my banking credentials (for now). Also, a very quizzical comment added:
If you are unable to use this online option, we ask that you please try again after March 22, 2021 and call the CRA only if the online option doesn’t work for you after this date.
CRA Email of March 13 2021
I have all the information I need, so I am OK, for now. I will check tomorrow and see if I can log in. Come back and look for an update.
(March 13, 2021)
Hi, its April 2022 & that ERR.021 or ERR.022 is still happening with no support from CRA except to hang up on the call. I think they may still want your tax return. Call your MPP. frustrated