Tax resources

When you declare bankruptcy, a trustee takes control of your property and assets. One of the trustee’s roles is to file income tax returns on your behalf for the year of bankruptcy, along with for the year prior to your bankruptcy (if it has not already been done).

To make sure your tax returns are correct, the trustee uses a tool called CRA’s Represent a Client. This is a secure online system that lets authorized representatives access your tax information.

If you file bankruptcy with Bromwich+Smith, you will first get an email saying they have asked for permission to access your CRA account. It’s important to approve this request so their tax team can file your taxes properly.

After that, you’ll get another email from the CRA. This email will confirm that a representative (Bromwich+Smith) wants access to your account. You will need to log in to your CRA online account and approve the request.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1

Log into your CRA Account.

Log into CRA

Step 2

From the My Account Navigation menu on the left, click on Profile.

Step 3

In the Profile screen, scroll down to the Authorized Representative(s) section and click Confirm pending authorizations.

Step 4

In the Pending representative authorizations screen, click the BROMWICH & SMITH INC. link.

What do the requests mean?

Authorization does not expire until your discharge from bankruptcy.
Online access will switch to Yes once the authorization is complete. This will allow Bromwich+Smith to easily access your t-slips and Notices of Assessment (NOA’s).
Authorization level 2 allows us to view the required tax information and file a return on your behalf.

Step 5

From the BROMWICH & SMITH INC. screen, click the blue Confirm Authorization button.

Step 6

Select the Confirmation box, then click Submit.

Step 7

Complete!

Tax FAQs

What if I made a mistake on my questionnaire?

Please email [email protected] with your name, file number, and the correction.

How long will my return take?

We aim to file all returns by the CRA deadline if your completed questionnaire and all supporting documents are received before March 15. You can monitor the status of your return through your CRA account once it has been filed.

How will I know when my return has been filed?

You will receive an email confirmation from our tax team.

Will I receive my tax refund?

No. Tax refunds relating to the pre- and post-bankruptcy returns are retained by the Licensed Insolvency Trustee and distributed according to the terms of your bankruptcy.

What if there is an amount owing?

You are responsible only for any balance owing on the post-bankruptcy return. If applicable, details will be included in your filing confirmation email.

How do I get a copy of my return?

A copy will be uploaded to your Supportal account. You may also access your tax information through your CRA account.

Will I receive a Notice of Assessment?

Yes. Your Notice of Assessment will be available through your CRA account.

I am mailing documents. Will they be returned?

Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.

Will Bromwich+Smith file my taxes next year?

No. We only file returns related to the calendar year of your bankruptcy.

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