Give your accountant a separate, complete package for each Business. Each package should identify the reporting period, explain who paid, connect transactions to supporting evidence and list unresolved questions without mixing records from another Business.

SilaTrail helps prepare and share organized records. It does not replace professional accounting judgment, determine tax treatment or file returns.

Prepare one scope sheet per Business

Start with the Business name, reporting period, ownership context and the accounts included in the package. List the people who can answer questions and flag any changes in operations, banking or recordkeeping during the period.

Do not assume the accountant can infer the Business from a supplier, payment descriptor or email folder. Shared suppliers and shared owners make those clues unreliable.

Include the core record groups

A useful Business package normally brings together:

• income records and customer invoices;
• expense records and readable receipts;
• bank and card statement review;
• owner-paid expenses, contributions and repayments;
• vehicle and trip logs;
• contractor bills and payment evidence;
• credits, refunds and corrections; and
• a list of missing documents or decisions still needed.

Label every export with the Business, period and generation date. If a source document supports records in more than one Business, include a factual allocation note and make sure the full amount was not duplicated.

Explain the open items

An exception list is more useful than a folder of unexplained documents. For each open item, record what is missing, who is responsible and the next action. Separate factual questions—such as which card paid—from professional decisions about classification or tax treatment.

The CRA requires records to be reliable, complete and supported by documents. It also says owners remain responsible for their records even when a third party maintains them. Keep an accessible copy of what you provided and do not assume a service provider will retain it for the required period.

Share access narrowly

If you provide in-app access, grant only the required Businesses and permission level. Review that access when the engagement changes and revoke it when the work is finished. A person authorized for one Business should not gain records from another through an export, shared attachment or consolidated link.

Perform a handoff check

Before delivery, confirm that totals tie to the enclosed records, receipts are readable, duplicate items are resolved and the package can be understood on its own. Keep a list of the files or exports delivered so follow-up versions can be distinguished.

Frequently asked questions

Should I send one combined spreadsheet?

A summary may help discussion, but the underlying records and evidence should remain separated by Business.

Does my accountant need every receipt?

Provide the records and supporting documents requested for the engagement. Keep the complete source evidence available and ask the accountant how they want the package structured.

Can I give permanent access?

Use the narrowest useful scope and duration. Review and revoke access when it is no longer required.

Continue the workflow

See SilaTrail’s accountant-ready records, multiple-business workspace and monthly review.

For current guidance, read the CRA’s recordkeeping responsibilities and Electronic Record Keeping.