Communicating with CRA Q&A May 9th 2012

Q: Can CRA decide for the deceased person who can represent? CRA told a client to do the taxes and send a letter with it.

A: CRA was probably wanting to close the file and willing to work with anyone who was willing to provide information. But really, it isn't CRA who decides who can work with the decased person's financial reporting, it's the will, and if there's no will, then the courts decide. If the file was not significant, it may be that CRA was willing to accept anything they could get, or fishing for what could they get from someone who wasn't responsible to find the person who was.

Q: How can you do a partial removal for T1013 clients who won't un-authorize us?

A: No such luck, you can't remove yourself as an authorized rep, the individual must do that. You can however limit in Represent a Client, how many years you are able to represent a business who has put you as a rep on an RC59 (or at least that's what CRA said)

Q: How do I find the list of individuals/businesses that I am an authorized rep?

A: In the Represent a Client there is a listing under each of individuals and businesses listing who you represent.

Q: Will CRA accept fax copies of the T1013? Can I accept fax copies as sufficient from clients to keep for my records?

A: Yes, CRA will accept fax copies, but you must keep the original form on file.

Q: If I had on-line access authorization Level 2 after death, how do i get access to the deceased taxpayer's tax information?

A: All deceased persons online access is removed immediately on notification of death. It's necessary to call and they will establish that you are eligible under the will to act as the executor, or have been authorized by the executor to act for the executor.  It's going to mean new T1013's and RC59's in order to get information.  The executor assumes the role of the person and has complete authority to choose who will represent the taxpayer after death.

Q: Is it possible to access your "Home Office" links?

A: If you attended the live workshop, you were given access to TaxLinks Pro password to use until September 30 for free. After that the subscription price for non IPBC members is $30 and for IPBC members, $27 (10% off via my Partner Page on the IPBC website). 

If you didn't attend the workshop, and want to listen to purchase the recording, it's in my shopping cart, and for IPBC members, 50% off via the Partner page on the IPBC website) The password is included in the video, so if you purchase the video you'll have the password.

Alternatively, you could purchase a subscription to TaxLinks Pro directly for $30 / $27 for IPBC members.  The subscription can be renewed by purchasing a subscription each October 1 when I change the password.

Q: Is the PowerPoint Presentation available after the webinar (free)?

A: It's included in the list of links utilized in this webinar, and that list of links is included in the TaxLinks Pro subscription. So yes, it's available, and if you were listening and wrote down the password it's Free, otherwise, purchase a subscription.

Q: Where can you register for email updates of CRA What's New?

A: Find the CRA Site Map andlook for Electronic Mailing Lists to register for email updates

Q: If we need a quick answer by phone from CRA is there a phone number for that?

A: Not a special number, but you can avoid the long list of push this number by selecting * when you call in on the regular number.  and that's why My Business Account now has written queries but that's currently a promised 10 day turnaround.

Q: In My Business Account, can I ask any kind of questions?

A: Only if they relate to that Business Account, but yes, you can.  Remember there's a size restriction on how many words you are allowed.

Q: For e-File, do I have to register with CRA

A: Yes, go to the E-Filer section of the CRA Site Map for detailed instructions and a guidebook you should read from cover to cover to ensure you don't get offside and get booted out of the program.

Q: What level of access do you have for your clients?

A:  I prefer Level 1 because I want my clients to assume all responsibility for changes made to their tax and other information on file with CRA.  I want them to have to sign off on any changes, because I don't ever want someone coming back at me claiming I made a change they didn't authorize, or even just didn't understand.