Privacy and Information in Manitoba
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The CRA is legally required to protect your personal tax information. Section 241 of the Income Tax Act makes unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information a criminal offence.
The Privacy Act and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (Right #3) give you the right to have your information treated as confidential. No CRA employee can share your information without your written consent unless specifically authorized by law.
You have the right to access your own information. You can view much of it through My Account, or submit a formal request under the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) process. The CRA must respond within 30 days.
If your information contains errors, you can request corrections. If the CRA shares your data improperly, you can file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
When does it apply?
This applies to every person and business that files taxes or interacts with the CRA in any way.
- Your privacy rights apply whether you are filing a return, being audited, or receiving benefits.
- These protections cover all CRA interactions — phone, mail, online, and in person.
What to Do If the CRA Improperly Discloses Your Tax Information in Canada
- Access your information through My Account — it shows your returns, assessments, benefit payments, and correspondence.
- Submit an ATIP request if you need detailed records the CRA holds about you.
- File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner if you believe your information was shared improperly.
- Authorize a representative using Form T1013 if you want someone to access your information on your behalf.
- Request corrections if your CRA records contain errors.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't share your My Account login credentials with anyone — use Form T1013 to authorize a representative instead.
- Don't give your SIN to anyone who doesn't legally need it — the CRA will never ask for your SIN by email or text message.
- Don't assume the CRA can share your information freely — they need legal authority or your written consent.
- Don't overlook ATIP requests in tax disputes — getting the CRA's internal records can be valuable for your objection or appeal.
How Manitoba differs from federal law
Your tax information is protected under both federal and Manitoba privacy laws. The CRA is bound by strict confidentiality rules.
- Section 241 of the Income Tax Act makes it an offence for CRA officials to disclose your tax information except in specifically authorized circumstances (such as to your authorized representative, or under court order).
- You have the right to access your CRA tax records through My Account online or by submitting an access to information request under the Privacy Act or Access to Information Act.
- Manitoba's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), CCSM c. F175, protects personal information held by Manitoba government bodies, including Manitoba Finance.
- You can designate an authorized representative (accountant, lawyer, family member) to deal with the CRA on your behalf using form T1013. The CRA will only share information with people you have authorized.
- If you believe your tax information was improperly disclosed, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (for CRA) or the Manitoba Ombudsman (for provincial records).
Additional Steps in Manitoba
To access your CRA records, log into My Account at canada.ca/my-cra-account or file an access request under the Privacy Act. To authorize a representative, file form T1013. For complaints about CRA privacy breaches, contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at 1-800-282-1376. For Manitoba provincial records, contact the Manitoba Ombudsman at 204-982-9130 or 1-800-665-0531.
Relevant Law: Income Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1 (5th Supp.), s. 241 (Confidentiality); Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21; Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, CCSM c. F175
Common Questions
When does privacy and information apply?
This applies to every person and business that files taxes or interacts with the CRA in any way.Your privacy rights apply whether you are filing a return, being audited, or receiving benefits.These protections cover all CRA interactions — phone, mail, online, and in person.
What should I do if I think the CRA in Canada shared my personal tax information without my consent?
Access your information through My Account — it shows your returns, assessments, benefit payments, and correspondence.Submit an ATIP request if you need detailed records the CRA holds about you.File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner if you believe your information was shared improperly.Authorize a representative using Form T1013 if you want someone to access your information on your behalf.Request corrections if your CRA records contain errors.
What mistakes should I avoid with privacy and information?
Don't share your My Account login credentials with anyone — use Form T1013 to authorize a representative instead.Don't give your SIN to anyone who doesn't legally need it — the CRA will never ask for your SIN by email or text message.Don't assume the CRA can share your information freely — they need legal authority or your written consent.Don't overlook ATIP requests in tax disputes — getting the CRA's internal records can be valuable for your objection or appeal.
Privacy and Information in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.