Quick Answer
- The CRA Error–Err.038 typically occurs when new users who haven’t filed their tax returns in the previous two years sign up for “CRA MY Account.”
- The best solutions to counter the Err.038 message are to contact the CRA directly, fill out an online EI service request form, or to try again after a few days.
- The CRA website is not immune to hacking breaches. In 2020, 5,600 My Account profiles were compromised, so the website now locks accounts with suspected hacking breaches.
Have you ever tried to access your CRA account only to be greeted with the error message “error—err.038”?”
This error code can mean many things, from server-side problems to inputting invalid information to potential hacking attempts.
This article explains the “error-err.038 CRA” error message in further detail, including its causes and best solutions.
What is Error 038 on the CRA Website?
You’ve probably encountered several “technical difficulties” or errors when accessing various online accounts.
The first thought that hits your mind is that either you’ve been blocked out of the platform or you’ve been hacked. These are viable concerns that should never be dismissed.
However, these glitches usually occur because of crashes, failing functionalities, or other issues that occasionally affect the backend side of online platforms. Major financial institutions and government agencies like CRA are also susceptible to online crashes or bugs.
That said, the err.038 mostly occurs when a new user tries to sign up to CRA My Account. But besides first-time users, other users have experienced this problem when logging in to already-created accounts.
Causes of Error–Err.038
The most common causes to explore when you see this error message are
Issues creating a new account
In 2015, CRA launched the My Account portal to address the previously tedious task of accessing your tax information and data.
With your online portal, you can view your tax records, file taxes online, access your T4 slips, pay CRA debts online, access your carry-forward amounts, and more.
There are still many Canadians who haven’t yet signed up for their CRA My Account. Most of the time, you get the error message when trying to register if you’ve not filed your tax return in the previous two years.
Invalid information when registering
This is closely related to the first point. You may be entering the wrong Social Insurance Number, an incorrect spelling of your name, or the wrong taxpayer address.
Also, you (or someone else) may have created an account you forgot about. Trying to register with the same info twice may trigger the error message.
Hacking attempts
The CRA takes your security seriously. So, they may temporarily suspend your access to the account if they sense any threats.
Does This Error Mean My Account is Hacked?
In 2020, there were several attempted breaches into the CRA that compromised more than 5,600 My Account profiles. To avoid a repeat of these external attacks or to prevent further infiltration, you may be locked out for some time — if hacking is the case.
But as mentioned, most of the time, error.038 comes when you try to register, whether with misentered or wrong information or if you haven’t filed your tax for some time.
What To Do if You Encounter Err.038
Here’s what to do if you keep getting err.038 CRA:
Contact the CRA directly
The simplest solution is to call the Canada Revenue Agency helpline and speak with an agent. They will forward you to tech support, where an IT professional can help resolve the issue.
However, one major problem is that it may take time to get help because you may be placed on hold for hours.
Fill out an online EI Service Request Form
If a direct call to the CRA takes too much time, complete and submit an EI Service Request Form online. Go to the official CRA website and navigate to their “EI Contact” button. Here, you can fill out a form detailing your problems.
A representative will get back to you within two business days (or sometimes the same day). If your request can’t be done online, they’ll give you an appointment at a Service Canada Center.
Take a break and try again after a few days
If it’s not something urgent, you can try again after a few days. Sometimes, tech support may notice and resolve an issue in a few days. So, if the 0.38 error doesn’t bother you much, you can wait for it to resolve itself.
FAQs about error.038 CRA
CRA has several numbers for specific tax issues. For instance, for account-related issues such as a locked account, call 1-800-959-8281. Also, you can fill out the EI Service Request Form detailing your issues and they’ll contact you directly (within a few business days).
One of the top reasons you can’t register your CRA account is that you haven’t filed your tax returns for the previous two years. Also, check that you’ve entered your full name, address, Social Insurance Number, and other details correctly.
This error code may occur if you submit an amended return without indicating so in your CRA My Account. If you get this error, contact CRA via 1-800- 959-2803 for assistance.
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