COVID-19 response: TRA's online services and special notices

Given the current exceptional circumstances surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19, Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA) encourages taxpayers to use electronic means (for example: Netfile, TRACS, secure email, electronic payment, etc.) to submit payments, registrations, applications, returns, claims, objections, waivers and appeals.

In order to reduce the necessity for taxpayers and tax preparers to meet in person, TRA will recognize electronic signatures. This administrative measure applies to all prescribed forms administered by TRA, including the Alberta Consent Form (AT4930) (PDF, 270 KB). To add a digital signature, the form must first be downloaded or opened as a PDF.

For more information, see TRA online services. This page also includes links to TRA Special Notices related to changes due to COVID-19, listed under the applicable program.

For COVID-19 updates, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

TRACS availability

Regular hours

  • 7:00 am to midnight MST, 7 days a week

System downtime notices

Notice of scheduled system outages will be posted on this page, and in TRACS.

  • Regular maintenance: TRACS may not be available on Thursdays from 11:00 pm to midnight and Sundays from 7:00 am to 10:00 am MST.

Overview

TRACS is available to claimants and filers who have an account in most programs administered by Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA).

This system makes it easier and more convenient for clients to obtain current account information and perform tasks.

Functions available in TRACS

The available services in TRACS vary, depending on the program in which you have an account, and the system privileges assigned to you. TRACS users can:

  • view the receipt date and progress of submitted returns or claims
  • access financial information and view account period balances
  • update account address and account contact information
  • receive important messages from TRA
  • manage account access (for example: the business owner, or authorized individual, may grant additional account access to tax preparers and/or other individuals)
  • file a return or claim for eligible programs
  • upload supporting documents
  • complete a notice of objection
  • apply for renewal of eligible programs
  • set up direct deposit for eligible programs

How to access TRACS

Step 1: Complete the TRACS Enrolment Request

See the instruction guide and video for more information:

Step 2: Create or sign into your MyAlberta Digital ID account

Continue to MyAlberta Digital ID

Step 3: Log in to TRACS and enter your account number and PIN

  • Login to TRACS. You will need to sign in using your MyAlberta Digital Identity user name and password. Once you sign in, you will be redirected to TRACS.
  • Enter your account number and your PIN (found on your TRACS invitation letter).
  • The account number is also referred to as your Alberta Business Identification Number (BIN).
  • See How to find your Account Number (PDF, 23 KB) or contact TRA if you have any issues setting up your account.

Information for representatives

TRACS videos

Security of your data

How TRA protects your information

  • To ensure the confidentiality of your information when using TRACS, the Government of Alberta has strict security standards.
  • TRACS uses a 128-bit encryption system, one of the most secure systems currently available in North America, which protects any transmitted data from being read by unauthorized parties.
  • Information is collected and transmitted through TRACS according to the TRACS Privacy Statement (PDF, 180 KB).

Additional tips for protecting your information

  • Don’t save your password on your computer.
  • Don’t reuse your password.
  • Install and keep up to date on your computer:
    • antivirus software;
    • personal firewall software; and
    • a recognized anti-spyware program.
  • Regularly apply updates from software manufacturers.
  • Erase the cache memory of your browser (instructions found in your browser documentation).
  • Don’t remain connected to the internet longer than necessary.
  • Never send personal identification numbers or other personal confidential information such as your password, account number or login information over the Internet in response to unsolicited requests that you receive.
  • Tax and Revenue Administration will never ask you to provide this information via email or emailed links. This is to protect you from “phishing” (also called "brand spoofing") emails that send you to websites pretending to be legitimate companies that ask for your personal and financial information.

TRACS help topics

Account number

  • An account number is necessary for enrolling into TRACS. It links you to the account that you wish to access.
  • The account number is your Alberta Business Identification Number (BIN), unless otherwise indicated.
  • For more information, see How to find your Account Number (PDF, 23 KB).

Lost or expired PIN

  • If you have lost your personal identification number (PIN) or your PIN has expired, another must be issued.
  • To obtain another PIN, contact the individual or entity that issued your previous PIN.

Maintaining access to your TRACS account

  • For security and privacy reasons, it is important that an account owner controls who can access the account and what account information each individual is allowed to see.
  • It is good business practice to regularly review who has access to the account and modify permissions (access) accordingly.
  • Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration is not responsible for delegating or maintaining access to an account.

Automatic sign out after inactivity

  • For security purposes, you will be automatically logged out of TRACS after 15 minutes of session inactivity.
  • Note: due to a standard established by the Government of Alberta, you will also be required to confirm your login credentials after one hour of continuous session activity.

Sign up for updates

Subscribe to get TRA's publications and announcements by email.

Contact for support

Support regarding your MyAlberta Digital ID account

See managing your account.

TRACS technical issues

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-3044
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: tbf.ecomhelpdesk@gov.ab.ca

Contact for general inquiries

To connect with Tax and Revenue Administration:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-3044
Fax: 780-427-0348
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: tra.revenue@gov.ab.ca

Related

Programs administered by Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA)