Changing accountants
Switching accountants in Canada
Changing accountants is routine and mostly handled between the two firms. What the handover involves, when to move, and what HBT needs to take over.
Calgary office · eligible remote work across Canada
The handover happens between the two firms
Most owners put off changing accountants because they expect it to be awkward or to create a gap in their filings. In practice it is a routine professional process: the incoming firm writes to the outgoing one, asks for the records and background it needs, and the outgoing firm passes them over. You are not required to run that conversation, and you do not have to explain your reasons to anyone.
HBT takes over files at every point in the year. Where a deadline is close we say plainly whether the sensible move is to transfer now or to let the current filing complete first, and we will tell you when waiting is the better option even though that delays the engagement.
Before you call
What happens on the first call
The first conversation is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A team member in Calgary answers, asks what is urgent, and explains the useful next step. There is no obligation to start an engagement.
- Step 1
Tell us the pressure point
A CRA letter, a filing deadline, messy books, payroll, or a decision you need to understand.
- Step 2
We ask a few practical questions
Entity type, province, records, software, and the date that matters. You do not need a perfect file first.
- Step 3
You leave with a next step
We explain the work, the information required, timing, and price before anything begins.
Ready now? Call +1 (587) 894-7451 or .
Fees
How we price the work
The first conversation is free. Starting fees are published on the fees page. Those amounts are starting prices and subject to 5% GST. Final fees depend on complexity, volume, record quality and scope. Fixed fees are provided where the engagement scope can be determined in advance. You will know the price before paid work starts.
Client feedback
What Calgary clients say
Husain Haroun, CPA, FCCA
Meet the founder who reviews the work“Working with HBT Accounting and the team was extremely efficient, thorough and professional.”
“HBT Accounting has a great team, as they have done all my annual taxes in professional way.”
“The team was helpful, easy to communicate with, and made everything stress free.”
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Tell us what you need help with and when suits you. We prepare the message and open your own email app so you can send it. Nothing is submitted to our servers.
Or email us directly: hbt@hbtaccounting.com
Service scope
What a handover involves
The exact responsibilities, timing, and records depend on the agreed engagement. These are the areas we can discuss when shaping a scope that fits your business.
The professional letter
The incoming firm writes to the outgoing firm to request records and confirm there is no professional reason not to act. This is standard practice between firms.
Records and filing history
Accounting files, prior returns, working papers and CRA correspondence are transferred so the history behind the numbers moves with you.
Authorisation on the CRA account
Representative access is updated so the new firm can see the account and act on the filings it becomes responsible for.
How the work begins
A clear process before the accounting starts
- Step 1
A conversation before anything moves
Free, and nothing is sent to your current accountant until you decide to proceed.
- Step 2
Scope, timing and price agreed
We confirm what we are taking on, when the transfer happens, and the fee before any paid work begins.
- Step 3
We handle the handover
The request to the outgoing firm and the CRA authorisation are ours to manage, not yours.
Common question
Is there a bad time of year to change accountants?
There is no point in the year when a transfer is impossible. The smoothest handovers usually happen once a year end or filing has been completed, because the records are current and the position is settled. Where a deadline is close, a transfer can still proceed, and the practical question is whether the outgoing firm should finish the filing in progress first. HBT reviews the timing before anything is agreed and says which option is better for your situation.
Helpful guides
Read the details before your next conversation
Start with one clear question
Tell us what you need help understanding
Call or text HBT Accounting in Calgary, Alberta at +1 (587) 894-7451. We will ask a few practical questions and explain the most useful next step.
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm MT · Sat 9am–4pm MT. We reply to call requests and emails during business hours, usually the same day. If we are closed, send a call request and we will reply when the office opens.