How to Get Proof of Income Statement CRA: Step-By-Step Guide
You may need to prove your income for a loan, housing subsidy, or government benefit. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers a Proof of Income Statement that shows your earnings and deductions for a specific tax year.
You can get your Proof of Income Statement from the CRA in three ways: instantly through your CRA My Account online, by ordering a mailed copy that arrives in about 10 days, or by calling the Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) automated line at 1-800-267-6999.
This document is a summary of your tax assessment. Banks, landlords, and government programs often ask for it to verify your financial situation.
This guide explains each method to get your statement and what information you need. You'll also learn how to use the document and understand the difference between this statement and other tax documents.
Understanding the CRA Proof of Income Statement
The CRA provides a Proof of Income Statement that summarizes your tax information. This document is different from your regular tax documents and has features that make it useful for many financial situations.
What Is a Proof of Income Statement?
A Proof of Income Statement is a simplified version of your tax assessment from the CRA. It summarizes your income and deductions for a specific tax year in a basic format.
While some people still refer to this document using the older term "option 'C' print," the CRA now officially labels it as the Proof of Income Statement in CRA My Account and other digital services.
The statement includes your total income and the deductions you claimed. It shows less detail than your full tax return but provides enough information to verify your income.
The CRA issues this document based on your filed tax return. You must file your taxes each year to get one.
Key Differences Between Proof of Income Statement and Other Tax Documents
Your Proof of Income Statement is different from your Notice of Assessment. The Notice of Assessment shows your complete tax calculation, including amounts owing or refunds.
The Proof of Income Statement focuses only on income and deductions in a simplified format. The online version includes a digital footnote confirming that the information is released under Section 241 of the Income Tax Act, which protects taxpayer confidentiality. This legal authorization makes the online version valid for third parties, even though it appears differently than the mailed paper version.
Your full tax return contains all the detailed schedules and forms you submitted. The income statement presents just the essential numbers that prove your income level.
When and Why You Need a Proof of Income Statement
You may need to provide proof of income when you apply for loans at banks or other financial institutions. Lenders use this document to verify your earnings.
Government programs often require this document for benefits, subsidies, or rent-geared-to-income housing. Programs need to check your income to determine if you qualify and how much assistance you should receive.
Other situations include applying for financial aid, qualifying for reduced fees, or proving your income to landlords. The document is trusted because it comes directly from the CRA.
Methods to Obtain Your Proof of Income Statement from CRA
The CRA offers several ways to get your proof of income statement. You can access it online, request it by phone or mail, or use the CRA mobile app.
Getting a Proof of Income Statement Online Using My Account
You can get your proof of income statement instantly through CRA My Account. This is the fastest way to access your document.
To start, log into your CRA My Account using your username and password. If you don't have an account, you'll need your social insurance number to create one.
Once logged in, click on the "Tax returns" tab. Select "Proof of income statement" from the options and choose the tax year you need.
The system will generate your statement right away. The online version includes digital authorization under Section 241 of the Income Tax Act, making it legally valid for third parties.
You can download and save the PDF file to your computer. You can also print it directly from your browser if needed.
How to Request by Mail or Phone
You can order a proof of income statement through the CRA's automated Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS). Call 1-800-267-6999 to request your document through this automated system.
The CRA will mail your statement to the address listed on your tax return. It usually takes about 10 days to arrive, or up to 15 days during busy periods.
You cannot choose a different mailing address through the automated system. Update your address first if you have moved since filing your last tax return.
The mailed version includes official CRA formatting with a Section 241 release statement. Some lenders or government programs may prefer this version.
Accessing Through Mobile App or Alternative Methods
The CRA mobile app, called MyCRA, lets you access your tax information on your phone or tablet. You can view and download your proof of income statement through this app.
Download the MyCRA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in using the same credentials as your CRA My Account.
Navigate to the tax documents section to find your proof of income statement. The app offers the same instant access as the desktop version.
You can save the document to your device or share it directly through email or other apps.
Retrieving for Someone Else: Represent a Client
If you are an authorized representative, you can access proof of income statements for others. This applies to accountants, family members, or anyone with proper authorization.
Use the Represent a Client service in your CRA My Account to access client documents. You must have authorization from the person whose documents you need.
The client needs to provide consent through their own My Account or by submitting Form AUT-01. Once authorized, log into Represent a Client and select the client from your list.
Navigate to their tax returns section to access and download their proof of income statement. Authorization remains active until the client revokes it or until the end date specified in the authorization form.
Required Information and Eligibility Criteria
You need specific personal details to access your proof of income statement. The CRA has clear rules about who can request this document, and your identity must be verified first.
Essential Details for Identity Verification
You must provide your social insurance number when requesting a proof of income statement. This number confirms your identity and links to your tax records.
You also need to know the tax year you want information from. The proof of income statement shows details from Line 15000 of your tax return, which is your total income before deductions.
When you request the document online, you'll log in using your banking credentials or a CRA user ID and password. The system verifies your identity through this secure login process.
If you order the statement by mail or phone, you must provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current mailing address. The CRA will only send the document to the address they have on file for you.
Eligibility for Individuals and Representatives
You can request your own proof of income statement if you have filed a tax return for the year in question. The CRA must have assessed your return before they can issue this document.
If you haven't filed your taxes for a specific year, you won't be able to get a proof of income statement for that period. You need to file your return and wait for the assessment to complete first.
Authorized representatives can also request your proof of income statement if you've given them permission. They must have formal authorization on file with the CRA to access your tax information.
Understanding Related Tax Documents and Their Uses
When dealing with the CRA, you'll see several different tax documents beyond the proof of income statement. A Notice of Assessment confirms your tax filing details, while the T1 General form is your main tax return. Various tax slips report different types of income you've earned throughout the year.
Difference Between Notice of Assessment and Proof of Income Statement
The Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the document the CRA sends you after they process your tax return. It shows whether you owe money or will receive a refund, and lists any RRSP contribution room for the next year.
A proof of income statement is a simplified summary of your income and deductions that you can share with banks, landlords, or other organizations. It doesn't show refund amounts or balances owing like the NOA does.
Both documents come from the CRA and are based on your filed tax return. The NOA is the official response to your tax filing, while the proof of income statement is for income verification when requested by third parties.
Overview of T1 General Form and Usage
The T1 General form is your personal income tax return in Canada. This is the main document you complete each year to report your income to the CRA.
The form includes sections for employment income, self-employment income, investment income, and deductions. Employees must file the T1 General by April 30 each year, while self-employed individuals have until June 15.
The T1 form has schedules for reporting specific types of income and claiming deductions or credits. When you complete your T1 General, you report all worldwide income.
The CRA uses this form to calculate your tax owing or refund. Your proof of income statement is based on the information from your filed T1 General form.
Common Tax Slips: T4, RRSP, T5, and Others
Tax slips report income from different sources. Your employer issues a T4 slip showing your employment income and income tax deducted.
T4RSP slips report RRSP withdrawals. T5 slips show investment income like interest and dividends from banks or investment accounts.
Other slips include T4A for self-employment or pension income and T3 for trust income. You usually receive these slips by the end of February each year.
Keep all your tax slips because the amounts reported must match what you enter on your tax return. The CRA receives copies of these slips directly from the issuers and can verify your reported income.
How to Use Your Proof of Income Statement Effectively
Your proof of income statement shows your total income, taxable income, and deductions from a specific tax year. You can use this document to apply for financial products or government programs that require income verification.
Applying for Loans, Mortgages, and Government Benefits
Banks and lenders need to verify your income when you apply for loans or mortgages. Your proof of income statement provides an official summary of your earnings from the CRA.
This document carries more weight than pay stubs because it shows your complete financial picture for the year. Financial institutions use your total income and taxable income to determine how much they can lend you.
The statement includes all income sources, not just employment income. This covers self-employment earnings, investment income, and other revenue.
Government programs like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST tax credit use your proof of income statement to calculate eligibility. These benefits depend on your income, so you need to file your taxes each year to keep receiving them.
Some programs require you to submit a new proof of income statement annually. Others automatically use the information from your filed tax return.
Submitting Proof of Income for Families or Households
Many programs require proof of income from everyone in your household who contributes to expenses. Each adult family member needs to get their own proof of income statement from the CRA.
You cannot use one person's statement for the entire household. Rent-geared-to-income housing programs typically need statements from all household contributors.
The program administrator adds up everyone's income to determine your rent amount. Make sure each person files their taxes on time so they can access their proof of income statement when needed.
If your statement shows you owe money to the CRA, you may also need to print your statement of account. This proves you paid any outstanding balance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Making Corrections
Sometimes you might face technical problems accessing your Proof of Income Statement or notice errors that need fixing. Most access issues can be resolved through alternative methods, and the CRA offers clear steps for correcting mistakes on your tax return.
What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Statement
If you can't log into your CRA My Account, check that you're using the correct CRA User ID and password. You can reset your password on the login page if needed.
If you don't have online access, you can request your Proof of Income Statement by calling the Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) at 1-800-267-6999. This automated service will process your request and mail the document to your address on file.
You can also call the general CRA enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281 if you need to speak with an agent about your tax account. Be prepared for longer wait times during peak periods.
If you're still having trouble with online access, you can authorize a representative like an accountant or family member to access your tax information on your behalf through the Represent a Client service.
Correcting Errors or Requesting Adjustments
You cannot make changes to your tax return until the CRA processes it and sends you a Notice of Assessment. Once you receive this, you can submit a change my return request through your CRA My Account online.
For more complex changes, you may need to complete a T1 Adjustment form. This form allows you to correct errors in your income, deductions, or credits from previous tax years.
The CRA typically processes these adjustments within eight weeks. You cannot change the nature of income reported. For example, you can't reclassify salary as dividends after filing.
This is considered retroactive tax planning and violates CRA rules. If your adjustment results in a refund, the CRA will issue it after approving your changes.
If you end up with a balance owing, you'll receive a notice with payment instructions and a due date.
Alternative Documents and Additional Support
If you need proof of income but haven't filed your tax returns yet, you can use recent pay stubs, employment letters, or bank statements as temporary alternatives. These documents may work for rental applications or loan approvals while you wait.
The CRA offers a Proof of Income Statement, which is a simplified version of your full tax assessment. This one-page document shows your total income and deductions for the year.
It's different from a Notice of Assessment but serves similar purposes for income verification. You can access your complete tax return information and refile if needed through certified tax software.
Keep copies of all submitted documents in case you need to reference them later.
Conclusion
Getting your proof of income statement from the CRA is a simple process you can complete online through My Account or by phone. The online method gives you instant access, while the mail option takes about 10 days.
Both methods provide official documentation that banks, government programs, and other organizations accept. If you need help understanding your proof of income statement or filing your taxes, contact B&H Charity Accounting Firm at (289) 301-8883.
Our team can guide you through CRA requirements and make sure your tax documents are accurate and complete. We work with individuals and charities to simplify the tax process.
Visit charityaccountingfirm.ca to learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation.
We're here to help you navigate CRA documentation and keep your financial records in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CRA proof of income statement is a document that summarizes your income and deductions from your tax return. You can get it online through My Account, by phone, or by mail.
What is a CRA proof of income statement?
A CRA proof of income statement is a simplified version of your tax assessment. It shows your income and deductions for a specific tax year in a clear format.
The document serves as official proof of your financial situation from the Canada Revenue Agency. Banks, government offices, and other organizations accept it as valid income verification.
How do I get a copy of my income statement?
You can get your proof of income statement through My Account on the CRA website. Log into your account and select "Proof of income statement" from the "Tax returns" tab.
The online version is available right away. You can view and print it immediately.
Can I get my proof of income statement by phone or mail?
You can call the CRA's Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) at 1-800-267-6999 to request your statement through the automated system. The CRA will mail it to the address on your tax return.
Mail delivery takes 10 to 15 days. You can also order a mailed copy online through My Account, which takes up to 10 days to arrive.
What do I need before I call CRA for a proof of income statement?
You need your Social Insurance Number to use the automated phone service. You should also have your date of birth ready.
The CRA uses this information to verify your identity. Make sure you're calling from a place where you can share personal information safely.
When would I need a CRA proof of income statement?
You might need a proof of income statement when you apply for a loan at a bank. Lenders use it to verify your income before approving credit.
Government programs often require it to determine if you qualify for benefits or subsidies. Rent-geared-to-income housing programs require proof of income statements annually.
You may also need it for other financial purposes that require official income verification.
What alternatives do I have if I'm unable to access my Proof of Income Statement through the CRA website?
You can request your statement by phone through the automated Tax Information Phone Service (TIPS) at 1-800-267-6999 if you can't access the website. The system will mail it to you.
You can also use your Notice of Assessment as proof of income. Many organizations accept this document because it contains the same tax information.
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