How to Use CRA’s My Business Account to File GST/HST Online — Montreal CPA Firm

CRA’s My Business Account is the platform you must use to manage your GST returns. It is the federal equivalent of Mon Dossier and provides essential tools to file returns, pay balances, track refunds, receive notices, and respond to CRA requests. Incorrect use of the portal leads to missed messages, late filings, and refund delays. This guide explains how to use My Business Account with the same accuracy Mackisen applies when filing returns for clients.

Why My Business Account Matters
It provides direct communication with CRA, secure access to GST filing tools, payment systems, notices of assessment, and audit correspondence. Filing outside the portal risks delays and miscommunication.

Legal and Regulatory Framework
The Excise Tax Act requires proper GST reporting and documentation. Canderel (1998) and Hickman Motors (1997) emphasize taxpayer responsibility for accuracy.

What Happens If You Ignore My Business Account
Imagine expecting a $6,000 GST refund. Instead, the refund never arrives. You log into My Business Account weeks later and find a message: “We require documents to process your refund.” The deadline passed. CRA closes your file. Now you must refile or wait months for resolution. Many businesses lose refunds simply because they don’t monitor the portal.

Learning Section: Features You Must Know
File GST returns
Check account balances
Download assessments
Monitor refund status
Respond to CRA inquiries
Submit documents
Update direct deposit
View payment history and filing deadlines

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Step-by-Step: How to File GST in My Business Account
Step 1: Log into My Business Account.
Step 2: Select the RT account.
Step 3: Choose the open reporting period.
Step 4: Enter revenue, GST collected, ITCs.
Step 5: Review net tax.
Step 6: Submit return.
Step 7: Save your confirmation.
Step 8: Pay online or wait for refund.

Documentation Section
Filing confirmations
Notices of assessment
Bank and merchant statements
Invoices and proof of payment
Reconciliations
CRA message inbox archives
All must be stored for six years.

Common Mistakes
Not checking messages
Wrong period filing
Incorrect GST collected
Incorrect ITC claims
Missing documentation
Late filing
Unreconciled returns

Winning With Revenue Québec and Canada
Mackisen ensures your CRA filings are complete, accurate, reconciled, and defensible. We manage portal messages, respond to reviews immediately, and prepare all documentation for GST refunds.

Mackisen Service Hub
We handle GST filings, CRA correspondence, refund support, audit-defense document packages, and reconciliation.

Why Mackisen
Mackisen CPA Montreal ensures your GST returns are filed with precision, backed by full documentation, and protected from CRA penalties or delays.