How to Add a CRA Authorized Representative for Your Business Account

Adding an authorized representative to your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business account allows an accountant, bookkeeper, or another trusted individual to access and manage tax-related matters on your behalf. This process is essential for business owners who want to streamline tax filings, correspondence, and account management.

Key takeaways

• Authorizing a CRA representative through My Business Account lets your accountant file returns, view notices, and respond to CRA without you forwarding every letter.

• Level 2 access is the working standard for CPAs because it permits filing, amending, and corresponding with CRA; Level 1 is view-only and forces the owner to file everything personally.

• You need your nine-digit Business Number and your representative's RepID, GroupID or BN to complete the authorization in My Business Account.

• Authorizations stay active until you or the representative cancel them, or until any expiry date you set, so it is good practice to review your representative list each year and remove former bookkeepers or accountants.

If you are familiar with the process, here is the info you need. If you need step by step instructions, please read below:

Business Number: 717 023 022 (registered with the CRA as Modern Axis Accounting Ltd.)
Level 2 authorization is required
Please select does not expire
Please authorize all program accounts for the business (for example RC, RT and RP).

Why Add an Authorized Representative?

An authorized representative can:

• Manage tax filings and payments on your behalf

• Communicate with the CRA regarding tax inquiries

• Access and update business tax information

• Handle GST/HST, payroll, and corporate tax matters

Steps to Add an Authorized Representative

The fastest and most convenient method to authorize a representative is online through My Business Account.

Modern Axis CPA requires Level 2 access which does not expire. Our business number is 717 023 022

Authorizing a Representative Online

Step 1: Log in to CRA My Business Account

• Visit CRA Account

• Sign in using your credentials or create an account if you don’t have one.

Step 2: Select your business account

If you do not see your business, follow the additional steps at the bottom.

Step 3: Navigate to Manage Authorized Representatives

• Navigate to the profile tab.

• Under the "Profile" tab, find "Authorized Representatives" section.

• Click on "Add".

Step 4: Enter the Representative’s Information

• Input the representative’s Business Number (BN) (for firms) or RepID (for individual accountants or bookkeepers).

• If you are authorizing Modern Axis CPA, use the Business Number 717 023 022 and select Level 2.

If you can't find your business in CRA My Business Account

Step 1:

• If you do not see your Business Number (BN) listed, you need to add it.

• Click on "Add account"

• Select Business account

• Choose "Add business number"

• If you are unable to add your own BN, you must call the CRA at 1-800-959-5525 and select option 2 to link your SIN with your BN. When you call, make sure you have your incorporation documents ready as you will be asked questions for security purposes.

Final Thoughts

Adding an authorized representative simplifies your tax responsibilities and ensures compliance with CRA regulations. Whether you're working with an accountant, bookkeeper, or tax advisor, granting access allows them to efficiently handle your tax matters.

If you need assistance managing your business taxes, Modern Axis CPA can help! Our team can act as your authorized representative to ensure your tax filings and compliance are handled seamlessly. Contact us today for expert tax support.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 CRA representative access?

Level 1 is view-only: your representative can see your account but cannot file returns, make changes, or correspond with CRA on your behalf. Level 2 allows the representative to file returns, request refunds and adjustments, update account information, submit documents, and speak with CRA agents. Neither Level 1 nor Level 2 gives access to direct deposit or banking information; that requires Level 3 (delegated authority) or a legal representative. Most CPAs and bookkeepers require Level 2 to do their job.

How long does it take CRA to process the authorization?

Online authorizations submitted through My Business Account typically activate within minutes to a few hours. Form AUT-01 works differently: it gives offline access only (phone, mail, fax, in person), does not provide online access, and must reach the CRA tax centre within six months of being signed. Your representative can also send a request through Represent a Client, which you then confirm in My Business Account. Once an online authorization is active, your representative can access your account immediately through Represent a Client.

What is the difference between RepID, GroupID, and BN?

RepID is a seven-character ID identifying an individual representative (your specific accountant). GroupID is a seven-character ID identifying an entire firm, so any team member can act on your file. BN is your nine-digit Business Number identifying your corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership to CRA. To authorize, you need your BN plus your representative's RepID, GroupID or Business Number.

Can I add multiple representatives to my CRA business account?

Yes. CRA allows multiple active authorizations simultaneously, which is common when you use one firm for bookkeeping and another for tax. Each representative is added separately with their own RepID, GroupID or BN and their own access level. You retain full owner access regardless of how many representatives you authorize, and you can remove any of them at any time through My Business Account.

How do I remove a former representative from my CRA account?

Log into My Business Account, navigate to "Authorized representatives," and cancel the authorization for the representative or firm you want removed. The cancellation is effective immediately. If you cannot access My Business Account, you can file form AUT-01X (Cancel Authorization for a Representative) or call CRA directly. Review your representative list annually to remove former bookkeepers or accountants.

Do I need to authorize Modern Axis CPA before our first meeting?

No. We typically request authorization after the initial consultation and engagement letter are signed. At that point you log into My Business Account and add us using our Business Number, 717 023 022, at Level 2 access. The whole process takes about five minutes. Once active, we can pull historical filings, notices of assessment, and balances directly without waiting for you to forward documents.

Alex Ataman, CPA
Founder
Modern Axis CPA