Create the CRA before the filing becomes urgent. A missing account can hold up a partnership registration, incorporation or post-incorporation change even when the rest of the paperwork is ready.
Prepare the identity information
Registry instructions for new accounts commonly require personal details, contact and address information plus identity documents. Certain filings also require a headshot with an identification document.
Use clear, current documents and make sure names are consistent across the application.
Company roles matter
A director or secretary can activate a company role in CROS so filings can be made on behalf of the company. New directors or secretaries may also need a CRA before they can give the required approval to be added.
That is why company changes often involve more than one person logging in.
Partnerships can require multiple accounts
For a business name registered by a firm, the Registry states that every partner must have a CRA. The other partners approve their inclusion before the registration is completed.
Collect partner account information before the filing deadline.
Keep the account details usable after registration
Post-incorporation filings, annual returns and future changes may require the same Registry account. Keep the login, associated email and company role current instead of treating the CRA as a one-time signup.
BizReg offers CRA preparation support when clients want help organizing the account application.
Questions people ask
Is a CRA the same as CROS?
No. CROS is the online Registry system; the CRA is the user account used to access it.
Do partners need separate CRA accounts?
For a partnership/firm registration, the Registry states that each partner must have a CRA.
Do directors and secretaries use CRA accounts after incorporation?
Yes. Company roles in CROS are used for post-incorporation filings.
References
Current official pages related to this guide.