CRA changes authorization process to represent clients

Individual client authorization for a representative is now instant

• By: Jonathan Got

• July 17, 2025

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has changed its authorization request service for individuals in its “Represent a Client” feature, the tax department announced Thursday.

The alternative process for individuals — where the taxpayer or their legal representative can authorize a representative using information from a previous notice of assessment — no longer includes a five-day processing time. Instead, representatives can now get instant access to their client’s account.

To use the new process, the authorization applicant can use the authorization request service in “Represent a Client” and get information from their client’s notice of assessment issued at least six months ago. Authorization requests can’t be submitted on behalf of other representatives.

Clients may authorize a representative instantly if they have access to CRA My Account and add the representative or confirm the authorization request submitted by the representative in “Represent a Client.”

Effective July 15, the “Authorize a Representative” service within EFILE software is no longer available for individual clients. Representatives must use “Represent a Client” to gain access. This change does not affect authorization requests submitted through EFILE for business clients.

A note from Bob:

We can access your CRA data for you easily with the new authorization process!  Email us a copy of your assessment notice which is over 6 months old, and we can set up access to your CRA for things like RRSP and TFSA room.

Having this access allows up to do better planning for you and help make sure you are taking advantage of all possible tax benefits.

Call us if you want to know more or need help.

Cheers

Bob