Switching accountants in 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.

What a handover involves

How the work begins

1. 1

   Step 1: A conversation before anything moves

   Free, and nothing is sent to your current accountant until you decide to proceed.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Step 3: We handle the handover

   The request to the outgoing firm and the CRA authorisation are ours to manage, not yours.

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.