Heads up, Alberta business owners: The province is moving most of its tax and revenue communications to online mail. That means you probably won’t be getting many paper notices in the mail anymore — including important tax documents and account updates.
So what does this mean for you? You need to set up your TRACS account — that’s the Tax and Revenue Administration Client Self-Service portal — so you get notified by email whenever new notices are posted online.
Here’s the key: True North Accounting can check your TRACS account if we’re authorized, but we don’t get notified when you receive new mail. You need to register your own email address for notifications and then let us know if there’s something you’d like us to look into.
What is TRACS?
TRACS is the Alberta government’s online system for businesses and individuals who deal with Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA). It’s designed to make your life easier by letting you:
- See the progress and receipt date of your tax returns or claims
- Check your financial account balances and details
- Update your contact info and mailing address
- Receive important messages and decisions (like waivers or objections)
- Give access to others, like your accountant or tax preparer
- File returns or claims
- Upload supporting documents
- Submit notices of objection
- Request waivers for penalties or interest
- Set up direct deposit
- And more
Basically, TRACS puts the control in your hands — so you can manage your Alberta tax accounts anytime, anywhere.
How to get started with TRACS
If you haven’t set up your TRACS account yet, here’s how to do it:
- Request enrollment
Fill out the TRACS Enrollment Request form or contact TRA directly. You’ll get a letter in the mail with your invitation and PIN.
- Create or sign in to your Alberta.ca account
TRACS uses your Alberta.ca login credentials, so make sure you have that ready.
- Log in to TRACS
Use your Alberta.ca username and password, then enter your account number (usually your Alberta Business Identification Number, or BIN) and the PIN from your invitation letter.
If you’re unsure whether you already have a TRACS account, just try logging in. If it doesn’t work, then you need to enroll.
Keep your info secure
TRACS uses top-notch encryption to protect your data, but you should also take precautions:
- Don’t save your password on shared computers.
- Use unique, strong passwords.
- Keep your antivirus and firewall software up to date.
- Clear your browser cache regularly.
- Don’t share your login info or PINs via email or unsolicited requests — TRA will never ask for that this way (beware of phishing scams!).
What about monitoring?
If we’re set up as an authorized representative, True North Accounting can log in and check your TRACS account — but only when you tell us there’s something to look into. We don’t get automatic alerts when you receive new messages. That’s why it’s important to set up your own email notifications and keep an eye on your account.
Bottom line: Setting up your TRACS account (and email notifications) is a must if you want to stay in the loop with Alberta’s tax and revenue communications — and avoid surprises. Need help getting started or want to make sure you’re all set? Reach out — we’re here to help you navigate it smoothly.
Learn more about Tax and Revenue Administration Client Self-Service (TRACS)
TRACS setup checklist for Alberta business owners
- Request enrollment
- Complete the TRACS Enrollment Request form or contact Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA).
- Wait for your invitation letter with your account PIN in the mail.
- Create or sign in to your Alberta.ca account
- If you don’t have one, create an account at Alberta.ca.
- Keep your login details handy.
- Log in to TRACS
- Go to the TRACS portal and sign in with your Alberta.ca username and password.
- Enter your account number (usually your Alberta Business Identification Number, BIN) and PIN from the invitation letter.
- Register your email address
- Make sure your email is registered in TRACS to receive notification alerts about new mail.
- Grant authorized representatives access (optional)
- If you want True North Accounting to access your account, grant us permission in TRACS and share any relevant details.
- Check your TRACS account regularly
- Log in often to stay updated on notices and communications from TRA.
- Let us know if you see something you want us to review
- We won’t get automatic alerts, so keep us in the loop if you need help.
Read more about Corporate Taxes topics that may be helpful to you and your small business.