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Letter of Authority
I need a Letter of Authority to authorize my accountant to access my tax information and communicate with the Canada Revenue Agency on my behalf for the current tax year. The document should include my full name, address, and social insurance number, and specify the duration of the authorization.
What is a Letter of Authority?
A Letter of Authority lets someone act on behalf of another person or organization in specific situations. In Canadian business and legal contexts, it's a formal document that grants permission to handle tasks like accessing accounts, signing documents, or making decisions when the principal person can't be present.
Think of it as an official green light that proves you have permission to act. While similar to a power of attorney, it's usually more limited in scope and duration. Canadian banks, government agencies, and businesses commonly use these letters to verify who can legally handle sensitive matters or represent others in important transactions.
When should you use a Letter of Authority?
Use a Letter of Authority when you need someone to handle specific tasks on your behalf, especially in time-sensitive situations. This document proves essential when dealing with Canadian financial institutions, accessing medical records, managing property matters, or representing your business interests during your absence.
Common scenarios include authorizing an employee to access company bank accounts, letting a family member handle insurance claims, or empowering a business partner to sign important documents. The letter works particularly well for short-term needs and clearly defined tasks, offering more flexibility than a formal power of attorney while maintaining legal protection.
What are the different types of Letter of Authority?
- Authorization Letter As Representative: Broad-scope letter allowing someone to act as your general representative for business or personal matters
- Authorisation Letter For Bank: Specific permission for banking transactions, account access, and financial decisions
- Authorization Letter Money Claim: Empowers someone to collect payments or process financial claims on your behalf
- Authorization Claim Letter: Focused on insurance or legal claims processing
- Authority Letter To Submit Documents: Permits document submission and processing with government agencies or institutions
Who should typically use a Letter of Authority?
- Business Owners: Draft Letters of Authority to delegate specific powers to employees or representatives for daily operations
- Financial Institutions: Accept and verify these letters when processing transactions or account access requests
- Legal Representatives: Help draft and validate the letters to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations
- Authorized Agents: Receive authority to act on behalf of others, often in specific business or personal matters
- Government Agencies: Review and process these letters when individuals need representation for official matters
- Healthcare Providers: Rely on these documents to release medical information or allow others to make arrangements
How do you write a Letter of Authority?
- Personal Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and contact information for all parties involved
- Scope Definition: List specific tasks, transactions, or decisions the authorized person can make
- Time Period: Determine start and end dates for the authorization period
- Identity Verification: Prepare government-issued ID copies for both parties
- Document Format: Use our platform to generate a legally compliant template that meets Canadian requirements
- Signing Requirements: Arrange for witnesses and notarization if needed for your specific situation
- Supporting Documents: Collect any relevant paperwork that proves your authority to delegate these powers
What should be included in a Letter of Authority?
- Full Legal Names: Clearly state both the authorizing party and authorized representative with complete legal names
- Purpose Statement: Specify exact powers being granted and any limitations on authority
- Time Frame: Include effective dates and expiration date of the authorization
- Scope Details: List specific transactions, decisions, or actions permitted
- Contact Information: Document current addresses and contact details for all parties
- Signature Block: Include spaces for signatures, dates, and witness information
- Governing Law: State that Canadian law governs the agreement and specify the relevant province
- Revocation Terms: Outline how and when the authority can be cancelled
What's the difference between a Letter of Authority and a Letter of Administration?
A Letter of Authority differs significantly from a Letter of Administration, though they're often confused in Canadian legal practice. While both documents grant someone power to act on behalf of another, their scope and application vary considerably.
- Legal Authority: Letters of Authority are typically used for specific, limited tasks during someone's lifetime, while Letters of Administration grant comprehensive power to manage a deceased person's estate
- Duration: Letters of Authority usually have defined time limits and can be easily revoked, whereas Letters of Administration remain active until the estate is fully settled
- Court Involvement: Letters of Authority don't require court approval, but Letters of Administration must be issued by a probate court
- Scope of Power: Letters of Authority typically cover specific transactions or decisions, while Letters of Administration grant broad powers over all estate assets and affairs
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