Therapists’ Guide to Navigating the CRA’s New Representative Authorization 

As a mental health professional, your focus is on your clients, not on administrative paperwork. However, managing your practice’s finances and taxes remains essential to your success. To do this effectively, you likely work with an accountant who needs access to your tax information. 

For years, granting this access involved a paper form, the T1013. It was a slow and manual process. Now, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a modern, digital solution called “Confirm my representative.” This new system is faster and more secure, putting you in complete control of your sensitive data. 

This guide will walk you through what this change means for your practice and how to use the new system with confidence. 

From Paper Forms to Digital Clicks: What’s Changing? 

The CRA is phasing out the old paper-based authorization forms and moving to a fully electronic process. Instead of you signing a physical form for your accountant to mail in, your accountant will now send a request to the CRA electronically. You will then approve this request directly inside your secure CRA My Account. 

The goal of this update is to protect your information and streamline the entire process. According to the CRA, this new method “provides a fast and secure way for individuals and businesses to authorize their representative.” It eliminates the risk of mail delays or lost documents, ensuring your accountant gets the access they need without unnecessary waiting. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Confirming Your Representative

While a new system might sound intimidating, it’s quite straightforward. The process puts the power of approval in your hands. Here’s the process: 

Step 1: Your Accountant Initiates the Request 

The process begins with your accountant. Using their certified software, they will submit an authorization request to the CRA. To do this, they will need your full name and your Business Number (for your practice) or Social Insurance Number (for your personal taxes). 

Step 2: You Receive a CRA Notification 

Once your accountant submits the request, the CRA will send you an email notification. This email will not contain any sensitive details. It will simply inform you that there is a pending authorization request that requires your attention and will prompt you to log in to your CRA My Account. 

Step 3: Log In and Find the Request 

Log in to your personal or business CRA My Account. On the main page, you will find a section for messages and requests. The authorization request from your accountant will be waiting for you under a heading like “Authorized representatives.” 

Step 4: Review and Approve 

This is the most important step. You’ll see all the key details of the request, including: 

• Your accountant’s name or their firm’s name 
• The specific accounts they want access to (e.g., GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax) 
• The level of access requested 
• An expiry date for the authorization 

Carefully review these details to ensure they are correct. Once you are satisfied, simply click the “Confirm” button. Your accountant will then have immediate access. 

Why This Matters for Your Solo Practice 

This change is more than just a new procedure. It offers real benefits for busy practitioners like you. 

Your Financial Data is More Secure Than Ever 

With the “Confirm my representative” process, you are the final checkpoint. You personally approve who can see your financial information, giving you peace of mind that your data is protected. 

Full Transparency and Control 

The CRA My Account for Business portal acts as your central hub for tax information. You can log in at any time to see a list of your active representatives, what they have access to, and when their authorization expires. This transparency keeps you informed about account access. 

Less Waiting, More Time for What Matters 

The digital process is almost instant. This means no more waiting for forms to be processed by the CRA. Your accountant can access the information they need immediately, which is especially valuable during the busy tax season. This efficiency frees you up to focus on what you do best: supporting your clients. 

The move to a digital authorization system is a positive step forward. It provides you with greater security, control, and efficiency when managing your practice’s financial administration. 

Feeling unsure about a CRA notice or have a specific question about your practice’s finances? We’re here to help. Book a 15-minute Tax Therapy session to get your most compelling question answered.