Whether you're managing your taxes with the help of an accountant, bookkeeper, or a trusted family member, authorizing a representative on your CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) account can simplify your life. This allows someone else to access your tax information, communicate with the CRA on your behalf, and even handle certain tasks like filing returns or responding to CRA notices.
In this guide, we walk you through how to add an authorized representative step-by-step in both your personal CRA "My Account" and your business "My Business Account".
Why Add an Authorized Representative?
There are several reasons why you might want to add an authorized representative:
- Tax Preparation: Your accountant can retrieve tax slips, view your Notice of Assessment, and submit returns.
- Communication: CRA will share information directly with your representative, reducing your admin load.
- Business Management: For business owners, this allows your bookkeeper or payroll provider to access your GST/HST or payroll account information.
- Compliance Support: If you're being audited or have received a CRA request, a representative can help you respond accurately and quickly.
Adding a representative is safe and secure. You can set limits on what they can access and revoke their access at any time.
Adding a Representative in CRA My Account (Personal)
1. Sign in to My Account
Go to My Account for Individuals and sign in using your CRA user ID and password or a sign-in partner (my preference).
2. Navigate to your 'Profile'
Once you're logged in, look for the "Profile" tab.
3. Click 'Add' to Authorize a Representative
Once in your profile look for the "Authorized representatives," click on "Add" (historically a bit down the page on the right hand side)
You'll be asked to provide the representative's RepID.
4. Set Authorization Level
You can choose the level of access:
- Level 1: View-only access.
- Level 2: View and update access (e.g. filing returns).
To be able to support you best, please select Level 2.
5. Choose Online Access Mode
Next it will ask if I can have access to your account online, specify "YES". This will enable me to e-file on your behalf.
6. Choose Expiry Date
You can also set an expiry date for the authorization. In this case select the option "never expires".
7. Review and Submit
Review the information you entered, then submit. CRA may take a few business days to process the authorization, but typically it's immediate.
8. Verify Added Representative
Navigate to your profile again, scroll down to the "Authorized representatives" section and verify that Gordon Evans has been added.
You're done! 🥳
Wrapping Up
Adding an authorized representative can reduce your tax-time stress and improve compliance by giving professionals the access they need. Just remember to only authorize individuals or firms you trust, and review your active authorizations periodically to ensure they are still relevant.
🔐 Pro Tip: You can revoke or modify access at any time under the same "Manage representatives" section in your CRA account.
Have questions or need help navigating the process? A tax professional can walk you through it.
