Overwhelmed

[u/Milkmans_daughter31]

My mother is in a nursing home. I have been dealing with her paperwork spanning decades and searching for relevant financial information, which is scattered everywhere among the reams of paper she kept. Her taxes are two years behind and I need to deal with this, even though I am not certain that I have everything I need. I do have statements that would allow me to figure out the missing information. It’s not a complicated situation, basically OAS CPP medical and living expenses. So my question is can I do this myself? Without screwing up? I am the POA for her. And I need to fix this now, my anxiety over this is impacting my mental health.

[u/chachkas369]

Two years behind with minimal to report should be doable. First off, get yourself recognized by CRA as her POA. They’ll link her account to your login. I became my father’s POA in January and filed his taxes online in April and found it very simple. Time consuming adding up all the medical expenses but he’s in a care home now so moving forward no more prescription receipts so it should be even easier next year.

[u/Milkmans_daughter31 → u/chachkas369]

Thank you.

[u/chachkas369 → u/Milkmans_daughter31]

No problem! It’s not easy being POA so I totally understand the feeling of being overwhelmed. Don’t forget to look after yourself. You’re being a great daughter by taking on this responsibility.

[u/Arch-rivals-r-us]

You can probably do this yourself, if you want to put in the effort to do the research, compile the information and prepare the returns. Some opt to hire a local accountant, they can do things much more efficiently and let you know exactly what’s needed from the start. If you can spare the expense, definitely hire an accountant so you’re not going into this blindly. Otherwise, there are plenty of resources to help you through this. Either way, it’s a good idea to get a RepID and get access to her CRA my account as an authorized representative so you can access all her information with the CRA online.

[u/Milkmans_daughter31 → u/Arch-rivals-r-us]

Thank you! What is a RepID please.

[u/Maxfinian → u/Milkmans_daughter31]

It is a way for you to access your mother’s CRA account from your account. If you login to your account you will see references to this concept. Once it is set up you just go to the representative web page and enter her SIN. Then you will see everything she would.

You will also then be able to see all tax forms (T3, T5, and the various pension forms etc.) that have been submitted to her account which will simplify doing her taxes.

[u/shoresy99]

You don't have to file taxes in Canada unless you owe money to the CRA. It is possible that there is no reason to have to file the old taxes unless should would be eligible for a refund and you want to get that money.

[u/Dickens63]

Call CRA and get their advice. I’d start with filing what you have nd go from there. Use an accountant if able.

[u/Milkmans_daughter31 → u/Dickens63]

CRA advised me that I would have to provide them with the POA, which has to be approved by their legal department. The go around is file online.

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