How to Add Your Bookkeeper or Accountant as a CRA Representative

How to Add Your Bookkeeper or Accountant as a CRA Representative

1. Get Your Representative’s Info

Ask your bookkeeper or accountant for ONE of the following: 

  • CRA RepID
  • Business Number (BN)
  • GroupID

Only professionals registered with the CRA can be added as representatives, so they’ll know what to provide. 

2. Sign In to Your CRA Account

3. Go to the ‘Authorized Representatives’ Section

  • For businesses: Click Business Profile, then Manage Authorized Representatives > Authorize a Representative.
  • For individuals: Go to the Profile tab, then find Authorized representatives and click Add.

4. Go to the ‘Authorized Representatives’ Section

Input the RepID, BN, or GroupID your bookkeeper or accountant gave you. 

Then, choose the level of authorization: 

  • Level 1 – View-only access
  • Level 2 – View and update (recommended for most)
  • Level 2 –Full access including the ability to assign others (business accounts only)

In most cases, Level 2 is the sweet spot—it lets your rep take action without giving them full control. 

5. Set Access Preferences

  • Expiry Date : Optional. For ongoing support, leave it blank or choose “never expires.”
  • Access Type : Be sure to select online access so your rep can manage everything digitally.

6. Review and Submit

Check the details for accuracy. 
 Once you’re confident everything’s correct, submit the request. The CRA typically processes it right away, though it can take a few business days. 

7. Let Your Rep Know

Alternative Ways to Authorize a Representative

  • By Phone or Mail: You can call the CRA or send Form AUT-01 by mail to grant limited access. This works for phone, mail, or in-person communication but won’t allow online access.
  • Through EFILE: If your rep is a registered EFILE provider, they can submit the request on your behalf. You might need to sign a form for their records.

How to Register for a CRA MY Account, if you don’t have one already.

If you’re not registered yet, visit the CRA website and follow the instructions. You’ll need your SIN, postal code, and a copy of a recent tax return. 

CRA has now merged access to all your CRA accounts through a single login. If you want to add your business number, you must already be registered for CRA My Account. Once that’s done, you can easily add your CRA My Business Account too. 

If an error shows up when adding your business number, it’s most likely because CRA hasn’t linked your business to your personal SIN. Call CRA at the business line (+1-800-959-5525); they may ask you security questions related to you personally, your business, and your last filed tax returns to verify your identity and link your business account to your SIN. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the authorization take?

A: Online requests are usually approved right away but can take a few business days. 

Q: Can I remove a representative later?

A: Yes. You can log in and revoke access at any time through your CRA account. 

Q: Who can be added as a CRA representative?

A: Anyone you trust to manage your tax matters, such as accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, family members, or business partners. They must be registered with the CRA to be added online. 

Q: Can I have more than one representative?

A: Yes. You can authorize multiple representatives with different access levels. You can also remove or update them at any time. 

Q: What’s the difference between RepID, GroupID, and Business Number (BN)?
  • RepID: For individual representatives. 
  • GroupID: For teams or firms (like accounting practices). 
  • BN: Business Number tied to a specific business. 

Your bookkeeper or accountant will provide the right one based on how they’re registered. 

Q: Can I still access my CRA account after adding a representative?

A: Yes. Adding a representative does not limit your access. You can continue to log in, view, and manage your tax information as usual.