As you are undoubtedly aware, MFA now applies to all Representatives. If you have not yet registered for the MFA system, you will be required to register for it next time you log into CRA’s portals.
In brief, the system requires that you obtain a passcode every time you log in to the RAC portal, in addition to signing in with your username and password. This means you could receive a new passcode multiple times a day from the CRA (6-digit numeric code via SMS text), one for every time you log back into the system.
Alternatively, you will need to refer to the Passcode Grid card to enter your passcode (9-digit alphabetic code). Using the Passcode Grid means that you will not be required to receive a text; it is an alternative method.
When we first discussed the MFA system with the CRA (in January 2020) one of our suggestions to the CRA was that they modify the passcode process so that the first access code you receive to start your workday remains valid for a longer period of time and for unlimited logins to the system during that time period.
We are happy to report that CRA will be implementing our suggestion effective in February 7 – the MFA system will be modified so that passcodes at the start of a day will remain in effect for 8 hours (you will no longer need to request a new passcode simply because you have logged out of the system).