If your corporation has never filed a T2 corporate tax return before, you may be wondering how you can get a CRA Web Access Code (WAC), especially if you do not have a previous Notice of Assessment (NOA).
The good news is that first-time corporate filers can still obtain a WAC from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You do not need a previous T2 Notice of Assessment to call the CRA and request one.
If you are unable to obtain a WAC using the online WAC service, you can contact the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk directly.
How Do First-Time T2 Filers Get a WAC Code?
Call the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803.
The CRA currently lists the Help Desk as available Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time.
Tell the CRA representative that:
Your corporation is filing its first T2 Corporation Income Tax Return and you need a Web Access Code for Corporation Internet Filing.
The CRA representative will verify information about the corporation and can assist you with obtaining the WAC.
A CRA WAC is an 8-digit code that is used as part of your corporation's electronic signature when submitting a T2 return through Corporation Internet Filing.
What Information Should I Have Ready When I Call CRA?
Before calling, have your corporation's information available, including:
Business Number (BN)
Corporation's legal name
Fiscal year-end / tax year-end
Information necessary to verify that you are authorized to discuss the corporation's CRA account
The CRA may ask additional security or verification questions before providing assistance.
“But I Don't Have a Previous Notice of Assessment”
This is a common concern for newly incorporated businesses.
If this is your corporation's first T2 return, naturally you will not have a previous T2 Notice of Assessment.
That does not mean your corporation cannot obtain a WAC.
If the online WAC process does not work because you are a first-time filer or you cannot provide information from a previous corporate tax return, contact the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803.
The CRA specifically identifies contacting the Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk as one of the methods for obtaining a Web Access Code.
Do I Need to Register for CRA EFILE Instead?
Generally, no.
If you are a business owner filing your own corporation's T2 return, you normally do not need to register as a professional EFILE preparer just to submit your return.
CRA specifically advises taxpayers not to register for EFILE simply to file their own T2 Corporation Income Tax Return.
For Corporation Internet Filing, a WAC is generally intended for a corporation filing its own return, while EFILE credentials are generally used by tax professionals or organizations filing returns for multiple corporations.
For a detailed explanation, see: Is a WAC Code Mandatory for T2 Filing in Canada?
What If I Already Have a WAC but CloudTax Says It Is Invalid?
A WAC is specific to the corporation and tax year. If the WAC you have is producing an error, do not assume that you cannot file electronically.
You can contact the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803 and ask for assistance obtaining a valid WAC for the applicable tax year.
This can also help when:
Your existing WAC is being rejected
You lost or misplaced your WAC
The online WAC service is not working for your corporation
You need a WAC for a different corporate tax year
For troubleshooting instructions, see: T2 Error Code: Invalid Web Access Code (WAC)
Worried About Calling CRA?
We understand why. Long CRA telephone wait times can make business owners hesitant to call.
However, 1-800-959-2803 is the CRA's Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk, rather than the general CRA Business Enquiries line.
While wait times can vary, CloudTax customers have reported being able to reach the Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk and obtain their WAC within a relatively short period of time.
If you are stuck trying to generate a WAC online, calling the dedicated Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk may therefore be the simplest option.
Can I Get a New WAC If My Current WAC Doesn't Work?
Yes. The CRA states that if a corporation's WAC has been lost or compromised, a new Web Access Code can be obtained through the CRA's WAC process, supported tax software, or by contacting the Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk.
If your WAC is producing an error, contact the Help Desk and explain the issue.
For more information on all available ways to obtain a WAC, see:
Filing Your First T2 Return With CloudTax
If you are using CloudTax T2 to prepare and file your corporation's first T2 return, not having a previous Notice of Assessment does not prevent you from filing.
If CloudTax requires a WAC for your method of submission and you cannot obtain one through the online process: Call CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk: 1-800-959-2803
Have your Business Number and corporation's fiscal year-end ready and explain that you are filing the corporation's first T2 return.
Once you have received the valid 8-digit WAC, return to CloudTax, enter the code and continue with your T2 submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a first-time T2 filer get a WAC?
Yes. A corporation does not need to have previously filed a T2 return in order to contact the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk for assistance obtaining a WAC.
I don't have a Notice of Assessment. How do I get a WAC?
If this is your first corporate tax return and the online WAC process does not work, call the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803.
What is the CRA phone number for a T2 WAC?
For Corporation Internet Filing assistance, call the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803.
How many digits is a T2 WAC?
A CRA Web Access Code for Corporation Internet Filing is an 8-digit number.
Can CRA give me a new WAC if mine doesn't work?
The CRA provides methods for obtaining a new WAC, including contacting the Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk. If your existing code is being rejected, contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Is a WAC the same as my CRA My Business Account password?
No. A Web Access Code is a separate 8-digit code used as part of the electronic authentication for Corporation Internet Filing.
Do I need an EFILE number to file my own corporation's T2?
Generally, no. CRA specifically directs taxpayers filing their own T2 return to Corporation Internet Filing rather than registering for EFILE. A WAC is generally used when filing for one corporation, while EFILE credentials are generally intended for tax professionals and organizations filing multiple corporate returns.
Related CloudTax Guides
For more information about CRA Web Access Codes and T2 electronic filing:
Quick Answer
Filing your corporation's first T2 and don't have a WAC or previous Notice of Assessment?
Call the CRA Corporation Internet Filing Help Desk at 1-800-959-2803. Have your corporation's Business Number and fiscal year-end ready. CRA can verify your corporation's information and assist you with obtaining the WAC needed for Corporation Internet Filing.