As part of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) ongoing efforts to improve service delivery by making it faster, easier, and more secure for taxpayers and their representatives, the CRA has enhanced the Alternative process for individuals Authorization Request service in Represent a Client by removing the five-day processing time
Except – it isn’t really easier.
For individuals: If you are coming to me as a new client, not only do I need to see a piece of ID, but you will need to:
- have access to My Account to add you as a representative or to confirm your authorization request; OR
- give you previously assessed tax information for you to provide when you submit your initial authorization request in Represent a Client. For more information, go to Alternative process for individuals.
If you want a step by step, please read: https://ceascape.ca/2025/04/how-to-authorize-me-as-a-rep-if-you-would-like-to-work-with-me/
If you don’t have access to your CRA account, please get it before you come to see me.
For businesses: It is pretty much the same except I’ll be authorizing without a signature through my CRA accountant account and you will need to confirm, same as it has been for awhile. You can follow the steps here: https://ceascape.ca/2023/02/authorizing-a-representative/
Bottom line: Please make sure you have online access with CRA!
