When you need pension records, account room or documents for tax or planning, start here. Each item says where to look, what to save and what to watch for.
This page is a guide only: no sign-in, no forms, no calculations. Every link goes to an official page, and each item shows the date it was last checked. This site is free to use; third-party searches are not always free.
My Service Canada Account → Canada Pension Plan → "View my contributions" for the record and "View my benefit estimates" for the estimate.
What to check
Contributions by year (years with QPP contributions in Quebec are marked).
Pension estimates at different starting ages.
What to save
The contribution and estimate pages (print or save as PDF), with the date you viewed them.
What to watch for
If you only worked or lived in Quebec, live there now, or last lived there, MSCA does not show the statement; contact Retraite Québec.
If you dispute the record, request an official paper copy through MSCA.
Where to look
My Service Canada Account → Canada Pension Plan → "View my contributions" for the record and "View my benefit estimates" for the estimate.
What to check
Contributions by year (years with QPP contributions in Quebec are marked).
Pension estimates at different starting ages.
What to save
The contribution and estimate pages (print or save as PDF), with the date you viewed them.
What to watch for
If you only worked or lived in Quebec, live there now, or last lived there, MSCA does not show the statement; contact Retraite Québec.
If you dispute the record, request an official paper copy through MSCA.
#cpp
OAS eligibility, estimate and application
Last checked 2026-10-14
Eligibility rules, the estimator and your own account are three different places.
CanadaSign-in for some itemsFree
Key point: The maximum amount shown on the website is not the amount you personally will receive. Your amount depends on years of residence in Canada, the age you start and your income (part or all is recovered at higher incomes).
Current plan: your HR department or the pension plan administrator.
Locked-in accounts after leaving an employer (LIRA / LIF): the institution holding them.
What to check
The annual statement: plan type, accrued benefit or account balance, options at retirement, whether the pension is indexed.
The options letter when you leave an employer.
What to save
The latest annual statement, the plan booklet, and any options letter.
What to watch for
When changing employers, ask whether the old plan can be transferred and by when.
Where to look
Current plan: your HR department or the pension plan administrator.
Locked-in accounts after leaving an employer (LIRA / LIF): the institution holding them.
What to check
The annual statement: plan type, accrued benefit or account balance, options at retirement, whether the pension is indexed.
The options letter when you leave an employer.
What to save
The latest annual statement, the plan booklet, and any options letter.
What to watch for
When changing employers, ask whether the old plan can be transferred and by when.
#pension
Account room
RRSP contribution room
Last checked 2026-10-14
Check your room before contributing, and keep three numbers apart.
CanadaCRA account sign-inFree
Key point: The deduction limit, unused contributions (contributed but not yet deducted) and available contribution room are three different numbers. The last line of the RRSP statement on your notice of assessment is the available room.
Next year's deduction limit, unused contributions and available room.
If you used the HBP or LLP, the minimum repayment for the year.
What to save
The RRSP statement page of your latest notice, or a dated screenshot from your CRA account.
What to watch for
The figures change with later assessments or reassessments.
A pension adjustment from an employer or group plan reduces the room.
Contributions more than $2,000 over the limit attract a monthly tax.
#rrsp
TFSA contribution room
Last checked 2026-10-14
Check the room before contributing to avoid an over-contribution.
CanadaCRA account sign-inFree
Key point: The TFSA room in your CRA account is not a live record; it depends on when each financial institution reports to the CRA. Before contributing, reconcile it with your own contribution and withdrawal records from every account.
CRA account → "View RRSP deduction limit and TFSA contribution room"; with full access, "View detailed … TFSA".
Transaction records from each financial institution.
What to check
The room the CRA has on record as of the previous year, and the contributions and withdrawals reported by each institution.
What to save
The CRA TFSA room page (dated) plus each institution's annual transaction record.
What to watch for
This year's contributions and withdrawals usually appear in CRA records only next year; withdrawn amounts are added back to room the following year.
Over-contributions attract a monthly tax.
Room does not accumulate for years before you became a Canadian tax resident.
Where to look
CRA account → "View RRSP deduction limit and TFSA contribution room"; with full access, "View detailed … TFSA".
Transaction records from each financial institution.
What to check
The room the CRA has on record as of the previous year, and the contributions and withdrawals reported by each institution.
What to save
The CRA TFSA room page (dated) plus each institution's annual transaction record.
What to watch for
This year's contributions and withdrawals usually appear in CRA records only next year; withdrawn amounts are added back to room the following year.
Over-contributions attract a monthly tax.
Room does not accumulate for years before you became a Canadian tax resident.
#tfsa
FHSA room and records
Last checked 2026-10-14
Participation room and deductible amounts for a First Home Savings Account.
CanadaCRA account sign-inFree
Key point: Schedule 15 must be filed with the return for the year you opened the account, even with no contributions. If returns since opening have not all been assessed, the room the CRA shows may not be accurate.
Next year's participation room and unused contributions that can be deducted in a future year.
What to save
The FHSA statement on your notice, and Schedule 15 for the opening year and each year after.
What to watch for
The lifetime deduction limit is $40,000; annual room follows the CRA rules for the year.
#fhsa
Carryover amounts and HBP repayments
Last checked 2026-10-14
Capital-loss carryforwards, unclaimed donations and the HBP balance each come from a different place.
CanadaSign-in for some itemsFree
Key point: The CRA does not necessarily have a complete record of donations you have not reported or claimed. Check the receipts, past returns and your accountant's records as well.
Net capital losses: the notice of assessment (unapplied net capital losses) and CRA account → "View carryover amounts".
HBP: the HBP statement of account sent with each notice of assessment; CRA account → "View Home Buyers' Plan and Lifelong Learning Plan"; or Form T1028.
Donations: official donation receipts and the donations schedule in past returns.
What to check
Net capital losses: carried forward indefinitely, or back three years.
The remaining HBP balance and next year's minimum repayment.
Unclaimed donations: generally carried forward up to five years.
What to save
The full latest notice of assessment, donation receipts by year, and PDFs of past returns.
What to watch for
Losses from different years are adjusted to the current inclusion rate before use.
An HBP repayment that is missed is added to income for that year.
Where to look
Net capital losses: the notice of assessment (unapplied net capital losses) and CRA account → "View carryover amounts".
HBP: the HBP statement of account sent with each notice of assessment; CRA account → "View Home Buyers' Plan and Lifelong Learning Plan"; or Form T1028.
Donations: official donation receipts and the donations schedule in past returns.
What to check
Net capital losses: carried forward indefinitely, or back three years.
The remaining HBP balance and next year's minimum repayment.
Unclaimed donations: generally carried forward up to five years.
What to save
The full latest notice of assessment, donation receipts by year, and PDFs of past returns.
What to watch for
Losses from different years are adjusted to the current inclusion rate before use.
An HBP repayment that is missed is added to income for that year.
#carryovers
Tax records
CRA account: registering and signing in
Last checked 2026-10-14
Most tax records are here; register first if you do not have an account.
CanadaNo sign-in neededFree
Key point: Identity verification is needed after registering before everything is visible; until then only some items show.
canada.ca → "Sign in to your CRA account" → Individual.
Sign in with a Sign-In Partner (online banking), a CRA user ID and password, or a BC / Alberta provincial account.
What to check
Notices of assessment, tax slips, RRSP / TFSA room, HBP, carryover amounts, benefits and refunds, authorized representatives.
What to save
Nothing from the account itself; save the documents you download from it, with the date.
What to watch for
Do not use a Sign-In Partner or autofill on a shared device.
The CRA does not ask for your password or security codes by text message or email link.
Where to look
canada.ca → "Sign in to your CRA account" → Individual.
Sign in with a Sign-In Partner (online banking), a CRA user ID and password, or a BC / Alberta provincial account.
What to check
Notices of assessment, tax slips, RRSP / TFSA room, HBP, carryover amounts, benefits and refunds, authorized representatives.
What to save
Nothing from the account itself; save the documents you download from it, with the date.
What to watch for
Do not use a Sign-In Partner or autofill on a shared device.
The CRA does not ask for your password or security codes by text message or email link.
#craAccount
Authorizing or cancelling a tax representative
Last checked 2026-10-14
Let your accountant or another representative see and deal with your tax records online.
CanadaCRA account sign-inFree
Key point: You add the representative in your own CRA account, or confirm a request the representative has made. Represent a Client is the representative's portal, not where you sign in. Check who the representative is and what access you are giving; never share your password or security codes.
CRA account → Individual → "Tax returns" or "Mail" → select the NOA / NOR you need.
A paper copy has to be requested by phone.
What to check
The assessment for the year, refund or balance owing, NETFILE access code, the RRSP statement, and the HBP / LLP and FHSA statements.
What to save
PDFs of every NOA / NOR for recent years; lenders, immigration and accountants ask for them.
What to watch for
After a reassessment, the latest notice is the one that counts.
A proof of income statement is a separate document.
Where to look
CRA account → Individual → "Tax returns" or "Mail" → select the NOA / NOR you need.
A paper copy has to be requested by phone.
What to check
The assessment for the year, refund or balance owing, NETFILE access code, the RRSP statement, and the HBP / LLP and FHSA statements.
What to save
PDFs of every NOA / NOR for recent years; lenders, immigration and accountants ask for them.
What to watch for
After a reassessment, the latest notice is the one that counts.
A proof of income statement is a separate document.
#noa
T4, T5, T3 and other tax slips
Last checked 2026-10-14
Gather every slip before filing, and know who to ask for a missing one.
CanadaSign-in for some itemsFree
Key point: Slips are prepared by the issuer (employer, financial institution, trust). Most arrive by the end of February; T3 and T5013 slips may come by late March, and receipts for early-year RRSP contributions by May.
Once the issuer has filed with the CRA, the slip also appears under "View tax information slips" in your CRA account (full access required).
What to check
T4 (employment), T4A, T5 (interest and dividends), T3 (trust and fund distributions), T5008 (securities transactions), RRSP / FHSA receipts and others.
What to save
PDFs of all slips for each year, filed by year.
What to watch for
Ask the issuer first for a missing slip.
Slips in the CRA account depend on the issuer's filing and may appear later than the mailed copy.
Where to look
The issuer's online account or mailed copy.
Once the issuer has filed with the CRA, the slip also appears under "View tax information slips" in your CRA account (full access required).
What to check
T4 (employment), T4A, T5 (interest and dividends), T3 (trust and fund distributions), T5008 (securities transactions), RRSP / FHSA receipts and others.
What to save
PDFs of all slips for each year, filed by year.
What to watch for
Ask the issuer first for a missing slip.
Slips in the CRA account depend on the issuer's filing and may appear later than the mailed copy.
#slips
Investment and loan records
Investment cost records and the T5008
Last checked 2026-10-14
Before selling an investment you need its cost: the adjusted cost base (ACB).
CanadaRequest from the institutionMay carry a fee
Key point: The cost or book value in box 20 of a T5008 does not necessarily equal the adjusted cost base (ACB) needed for your return; reconcile it with the complete transaction history.
Trade confirmations and annual statements from the broker or fund company.
T5008: mailed by the issuer, or among the slips in your CRA account.
Purchases from years ago: request historical statements from the institution.
What to check
The date, quantity, price and fees of every purchase.
Reinvested distributions (which raise the cost) and return of capital from funds (which lowers it).
The same security held in several accounts: the ACB is calculated across identical properties together.
What to save
Transaction and distribution records by year, organised into one cost table per security.
For purchases in a foreign currency, the conversion at the exchange rate on the trade date.
What to watch for
Book cost is often reset after a transfer between institutions, an account merger or a systems change.
For securities held before immigrating, the Canadian cost usually starts at the fair market value on the day you became a tax resident; your accountant confirms this.
Where to look
Trade confirmations and annual statements from the broker or fund company.
T5008: mailed by the issuer, or among the slips in your CRA account.
Purchases from years ago: request historical statements from the institution.
What to check
The date, quantity, price and fees of every purchase.
Reinvested distributions (which raise the cost) and return of capital from funds (which lowers it).
The same security held in several accounts: the ACB is calculated across identical properties together.
What to save
Transaction and distribution records by year, organised into one cost table per security.
For purchases in a foreign currency, the conversion at the exchange rate on the trade date.
What to watch for
Book cost is often reset after a transfer between institutions, an account merger or a systems change.
For securities held before immigrating, the Canadian cost usually starts at the fair market value on the day you became a tax resident; your accountant confirms this.
#acb
Investment account and loan statements
Last checked 2026-10-14
Institution documents that planning and tax both need: who to ask and which fields matter.
CanadaRequest from the institutionFree
Key point: Statements differ from one institution to another; say which date and which columns you need when you ask.
A federally regulated lender must send a renewal statement at least 21 days before the term ends.
What to save
Year-end statements, the annual mortgage statement or the renewal notice.
What to watch for
You do not have to renew with your current lender; start comparing a few months before the term ends.
#statements
Verifying professionals
Verifying credentials, registration and licences
Last checked 2026-10-14
A credential, a securities registration and an insurance licence are three different things, checked in three different places.
Canada / BCNo sign-in neededFree
Key point: A CFP® or similar credential is not an investment-management or insurance licence. CIRO's AdvisorReport does not cover every category (for example, individuals registered only under the Mutual Fund Dealer category); use the CSA National Registration Search for those.
CSA National Registration Search (Are They Registered?) Whether an individual or firm is registered with a securities regulator, in which category, with what conditions and any disciplinary record; this is the reference for securities, fund and portfolio-management registration.
CIRO AdvisorReport For advisors at CIRO-regulated investment dealers: approval categories, provinces, conditions and disclosures.