CRA service options for tax preparers

• CRA Web site
  • has a full range of general and client-specific information including Represent a client
  • convenient and accessible without leaving the office

• 1-800 telephone enquiry lines
  • Experienced telephone agents are available to respond to your enquiries.
  • If a telephone agent cannot resolve your enquiry, they will book an appointment at a time convenient for you.

The CRA has a responsibility to provide affordable, accessible, and equitable service to all taxpayers. As a result of service delivery enhancements, the CRA now offers services through innovative and efficient means that are readily available to all individuals, not just those living close to our offices.

This section of the presentation will talk about the CRA’s service options for tax preparers.

The CRA Web site is accessible 24/7 and contains information on topics you will need to research your questions. Our online services allow you to access information beyond regular business hours without having to leave the office.

Our call centre agents are able to handle the majority of enquiries. If they cannot resolve your question, they will book you an appointment at the tax services office.

• convenient, saves time, and no waiting in line
• ensures best available agent is prepared to serve you

• Represent a client, My Account, or telephone service

• Electronic filing options (EFILE, NETFILE, and TELEFILE), automated payment machines, drop–off boxes, Canada Post, or courier services

Since January 2007, all our tax services offices offer appointment service. Taxpayers and their representatives can call the 1-800 enquiries lines to book an appointment. For enquiries that are very complex and/or require face-to-face contact, you will be able to meet with a CRA agent. Appointments eliminate wait time and allow the CRA to ensure the best available agent is assigned to address your needs.

Appointments will only be booked when authorizing information is already processed and updated in the CRA’s system. Please ensure that you submit Form T1013 on a timely basis and take into consideration the processing standards.

To obtain a printout for your client, you can access the information through Represent a client, (with proper authorization) without having to leave your office.

Taxpayers who need a printout of their account can also obtain one by viewing My Account, or by calling our telephone enquiries service at 1-800-959-8281. The printout will be mailed to them within two business days. In addition, taxpayers can call our enquiries line and give over-the-phone authorization.

The CRA encourages taxpayers and preparers to make use of its electronic filing services—EFILE, NETFILE, and TELEFILE—which automatically provide confirmation numbers for returns received. In addition, taxpayers and tax preparers can access automated payment machines and drop-off boxes, or obtain receipts for correspondence through Canada Post or priority courier services. Documents delivered to a tax services office can be stamped as received upon request.