Hi all, I have a new client that cannot register for My Account as they are behind filing a few years. I am trying to get added as their Auth Rep to call CRA on their behalf. There are some issues with outstanding personal and HST returns. Is using the “AUT-01 Authorize a Representative for Access by Phone and Mail” my only option and mailing it in and waiting for it to get approved? Or can the client add my by calling in to CRA which would be faster? Or another way? Thank you
We had a client like that recently - hadn’t filed taxes for 12 years. But, you should be able to get access to their personal tax account using the AuthRep form in TaxCycle - once you have a signed copy, just click the link to file electronically.
You can file HST returns using the GST/HST Netfile website (see link below). You don’t need the client to have their own CRA login for this, but you will need a WAC, which the client might have already, or might have to get by phoning CRA (Business Enquiries).
If you want to file HST returns via RAC, of course, that is another story. For the aforementioned client (who is a farmer), he also needed to file GST returns. We prepared the T1s based on the paperwork he gave us, filed them on paper - mailed to CRA. Once CRA had processed them (about 3 months later), I got him to come in and helped him set up his own CRA login, using values from the latest NOA. Then, got him to set up a CRA MyBusinessAccount. He didn’t want to use the new “document verification service” (see link below), so we are waiting for CRA to send him the security code in the mail. Once he gets that, I’ll get him to come in to my office again. While he is logged in (on my computer), I will show him where/how to authorize my firm. I don’t know how else you can do it.
I am not trying to file right now for them. I need to contact CRA on their behalf. So I am looking for the form to use to get authorized to speak on their behalf. And they do not have My Accounts for personal or business.
The AUT-01 from CRA requires basically the same info as the AuthRep in TaxCycle, and both need to be signed by the client. You can use either one, but the AUT-01 will have to be scanned and uploaded to the CRA website, so I’d say the TaxCycle method is easier, and also gets you ONLINE access in addition to OFFLINE access (i.e. via phone or mail).
However, the AUT-01 can be used to authorize you for offline access to both personal and business accounts at the same time. In TaxCycle I believe you have to file a separate form for each, and the one for business account authorization is pretty much useless if you want online access, because even after you file it, the client still must log in to their own CRA business account to approve it.
Thanks again for the reply!
When you say that the AUT-01 will be uploaded to the CRA website, where exactly will that be? Could you share a link? My understanding is that it has to be mailed in.
Can I have this client call into CRA and add me as a rep over the phone?
Like I mentioned, I have an issue where a client cannot register for My Account since they are a few years behind. And I don’t need to file their returns (their last two years of returns have been held up after being filed and have not been assessed and the accountant has disappeared)
If I use the Auth Rep page in TaxCycle 2023, and have them sign off, and then check off “Valid Authorization already on file and accepted by CRA”, will that grant me access to their personal account? (I have no intention of filing 2023 at this time, I just need to speak to CRA on their behalf and want to find the simplest route to be authorized)
Are you not a rep already? When you log in to your rep account, it’s the Authorization Request link:
If you don’t have a rep ID, you can’t get anyone to authorize you. First you have to sign up for a rep ID yourself:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/represent-a-client.html
Then, I suppose you could mail the AUT-01 to your Tax Centre, but I don’t know anyone who has done it that way in over 10 years (maybe 20).
No. You still first need a rep ID or a business number. You keep the form, signed by the client, in your records (in case CRA ever asks to see it), then go to the Transmit tab in TaxCycle and actually SUBMIT the authorization request to CRA. If you simply set the option to “Valid Authorization already on file and accepted by CRA” it won’t do anything. You can’t get access that way.
And, you don’t need this type of authorization to file someone’s taxes. Tax FILING requires a different authorization altogether - you have to APPLY to become an EFILER (or else use NETFILE, which is technically not allowed to be used by tax preparers).
I appreciate your help!
I am an e-filer and have a Rep ID.
Unless I am missing something, using the “Authorization request” on the Represent a Client site won’t work because they do not have a CRA “My Account” to approve me after I make the request and they have not filed tax returns for 2022 or 2023 so I don’t have that info to approve them myself.
My question overall is: what is the easiest way for me to gain access to this taxpayer’s account to discuss it with CRA, I don’t need to file a return at this time?
Using the TaxCycle option, If I submit the Auth Rep in the 2023 software (after having them sign it and I file that away), will that allow me to speak to CRA on their behalf?
Or is there an easier way to become a Rep so that I can speak to CRA on the phone about their tax situation?
For personal accounts, the client doesn’t need to be able to log in to their CRA MyAccount. You just need their signature on the AuthRep form. As soon as you submit the request through TaxCycle, you (usually) get access - both online and offline - immediately. Then you can phone CRA on their behalf.
For business accounts, since Oct 2022, the client MUST have access to their CRA MyBusinessAccount to authorize you - there is no alternative method…yet. However, there has been MUCH feedback to CRA that this is a problem (particularly for older clients) and CRA has acknowledged and promised some alternative method for clients to verify authorization requests. We are patiently waiting.
As such, I refer back to my first response - how I am trying to help one old farmer client to access his CRA MyBusinessAccount, so that I can help him authorize me, so that I can file his GST returns for the last 12 years. It is going on 6 months. I had to file his personal taxes first - because you need numbers from the your FILED 2023 T1 to verify your identity when you try to create a CRA user ID and password.
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When I’ve run into similar situations where I can’t obtain authorization on a client’s CRA account, the solution I use is to do a conference call with CRA and the client. If the client is in my office, then we phone CRA on speakerphone. If the client is at home, then I will initiate a 3-way phone call. I normally start the conversation with the CRA agent informing them that I’m a tax practitioner representing my client and that we are doing a conference call to obtain missing information. The agent always asks the client some verification questions so I always prep my client in advance and make sure old tax returns or other pertinent information is close by so the client can answer any questions the agent asks. Once the client is verified to CRA’s satisfaction and the client approves conversing with me, then I take over the conversation to obtain the missing information we require. Often we’ll request the CRA agent mail us the missing documents needed.
Hope this suggestion is helpful.
Yep, that’s probably effective, if both you and the client have a couple hours to sit on hold waiting for a CRA agent to take your call. Most of my clients would rather wait a few months for CRA to send them something in the mail. Meanwhile both they and I can get to work on something else…
Valid point, Nezzer. I think I only phoned CRA once or perhaps twice this past tax season due to not having time to sit on hold for hours on end, especially when the calls needed transferring to senior agents. Business Windows phone calls might have faster response times, at least they used to back in the day.
Thanks again, I am working with the TaxCycle option today and that should work on the personal side. Appreciate it!