Tax Preparation Services
Your taxes filed correctly, on time, and with someone reviewing your file before anything goes to CRA.
Acctax handles personal tax returns, small business filing, T2 corporate returns, GST/HST remittances, payroll source deductions, non-resident filings, and CRA notice responses. With 17 plus years of tax and accounting experience behind the firm, we prepare and file returns accurately and stay with you if CRA follows up.
Professional Tax Preparation Services for Personal and Business Filing
Tax preparation covers reviewing your income documents, organizing deductions and credits, preparing the correct return for your situation, filing through the right CRA channel, and making sure you understand what comes next. For businesses, that often extends to bookkeeping review, GST/HST reporting, payroll source deduction calculations, T2 corporate filing, and support when CRA sends something back.
CRA describes professional tax preparers as firms or individuals who prepare returns and electronically send them to CRA on a client’s behalf. Before any filing starts, we give you a clear document checklist so nothing gets missed.
Our Tax Preparation Services
Every tax situation is different and the right filing service depends on how your income is structured, how your business is set up, and what CRA is asking from you right now. Below is the full range of what we prepare and file.
Personal Tax Returns
T1 tax preparation for individuals, families, employees, retirees, investors, students, rental property owners, and self-employed taxpayers. We review your slips, apply every credit you qualify for, and file through CRA’s EFILE program.
Small Business Tax Filing
Tax filing for sole proprietors, freelancers, contractors, consultants, and small business owners who need business income, expenses, home office, vehicle, and CRA filing handled correctly.
Corporate Tax Filing
T2 corporate tax return preparation for incorporated businesses, professional corporations, CCPCs, and holding companies. This includes year-end review, financial statement coordination, GIFI mapping, schedule preparation, and CRA submission.
GST/HST Filing
GST/HST return preparation for registered businesses, including input tax credit review, reporting period support, remittance calculations, and catch-up filing for missed periods.
Payroll Tax Filing
Payroll remittance support and year-end filing for employers, including CPP, EI, and income tax source deduction calculations, T4 slip preparation, and CRA payroll account review.
Non-Resident & Cross-Border
Filing support for non-residents, emigrants, and clients with Canadian-source income who need residency-specific returns reviewed and submitted correctly.
CRA Notices
Help reviewing CRA notices, reassessments, document requests, balance notices, and review letters so your response goes back organized and on time.
CRA Response & Tax Problem Support
These services are for clients who are already dealing with a CRA review, audit, or dispute. If CRA is actively involved in your file, this is where to start.
Audit Support
Support preparing records, reconciliations, and documentation when CRA selects your file for review.
CRA Audit Responses
Help organizing CRA audit responses, communicating with CRA where authorized, and assembling the supporting documents CRA has requested.
Tax Dispute Help
Support for taxpayers who disagree with a CRA reassessment, audit result, or tax balance and need clear guidance on what to do next.
Tax Preparation & Filing Services
Personal Income Tax Returns (T1)
What We File: T1 General Income Tax and Benefit Return. Who This Applies To: Salaried employees, retirees, investment income earners, rental property owners, commission-based workers.
Inputs Required
- T4 Statement of Remuneration
- T5 & T3 Investment/Trust Income
- T4A Pension & Other Income
- T2202 Tuition and Education
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts
- Rental income & expense records
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
What You Receive
- Completed T1 return filed via EFILE
- Copy of filed return (PDF)
- Refund or balance owing summary
- Notice of Assessment tracking
- Filing confirmation number
Self-Employed & Sole Proprietor Tax Filing (T2125)
What We File: T1 with Statement of Business or Professional Activities. Who This Applies To: Sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors, gig economy workers.
Inputs Required
- Business income records (invoices)
- Business expense receipts
- Vehicle logbook (if applicable)
- Home office measurements
- Capital asset purchase records
- GST/HST registration number
- Bank statements for business
- Prior-year T2125 and NOA
What You Receive
- T1 with completed T2125 schedule
- Business income & expense summary
- Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
- Home office deduction calculation
- Instalment payment schedule
- Notice of Assessment tracking
Corporate Tax Returns (T2)
What We File: T2 Corporation Income Tax Return with GIFI schedules. Who This Applies To: CCPCs, incorporated small businesses, professional corporations, holding companies.
Inputs Required
- Year-end financial statements
- Reconciled trial balance & GL
- Shareholder loan reconciliation
- Dividend declarations & resolutions
- Inter-company transaction records
- Prior-year T2 return and NOA
- CRA corporation account number
What You Receive
- Completed T2 return with GIFI
- Schedule 100, 125, 141 as applicable
- Small Business Deduction calc
- Shareholder loan tracking doc
- Corporate tax instalment schedule
- Notice of Assessment tracking
- Filed return confirmation
GST/HST Returns and Remittances
What We File: GST/HST Return. Who This Applies To: GST/HST registrants (mandatory registration required when taxable revenue exceeds $30,000).
Inputs Required
- Sales records with GST/HST collected
- Purchase records with ITCs
- POS or accounting software reports
- Bank statements reconciled to sales
- Quick Method election (if any)
- Prior GST/HST returns
What You Receive
- Completed GST/HST return filed
- Net tax calculation (Collected – ITCs)
- Remittance amount or refund summary
- Payment deadline confirmation
- Filing confirmation number
Payroll Source Deductions Support
What We File: Payroll remittances and year-end information returns. Who This Applies To: Employers with employees on payroll withholding CPP, EI, and income tax.
Inputs Required
- Payroll register (gross, net, deductions)
- Employee Social Insurance Numbers
- TD1 Personal Tax Credits Forms
- Records of taxable benefits
- Prior remittance statements
- CRA payroll account number (RP)
What You Receive
- Payroll remittance calculations
- T4 slip preparation for employees
- T4 Summary for CRA filing
- Remittance schedule tracking
- Year-end filing confirmation
CRA Notices and Corrections
What We Handle: Notice of Assessment review, Reassessment responses, T1-ADJ. Who This Applies To: Individuals/Businesses with CRA correspondence or errors.
Inputs Required
- CRA notice or letter received
- Supporting documentation
- Original filed return
- Bank statements/receipts
- Prior correspondence with CRA
What You Receive
- Notice review & explanation
- Response letter drafted
- T1-ADJ or T2-ADJ filed if needed
- Objection filing (if disputing)
- Confirmation of outcome
Who Our Tax Preparation Services Are For
Tax situations vary considerably from one person to the next. What a salaried employee needs looks nothing like what an incorporated business owner requires. Below is the full range of clients we work with.
| Audience | What They Need |
|---|---|
| Individuals and families | Personal tax return prepared and filed accurately |
| Employees with multiple slips | T4, T4A, T5, T3, T5008, RRSP, tuition, donation, and medical documents reviewed |
| Self-employed individuals | Business income and expenses reported correctly on a T2125 schedule |
| Sole proprietors | Business reporting support and document organization before filing |
| Small business owners | Year-end filing, bookkeeping cleanup, GST/HST, payroll, and CRA support |
| Incorporated businesses | T2 corporate tax filing and supporting schedules prepared and filed |
| GST/HST registrants | GST/HST calculation, ITC review, filing, or remittance support |
| Employers | Payroll remittance and year-end T4 filing support |
| Non-residents and cross-border clients | Canadian-source income or residency-related filing reviewed and filed |
| Clients with CRA notices | Notice review, response preparation, and supporting documentation |
What We Handle During Tax Preparation
The scope of work depends on your filing type, and more than one of the following often applies to the same client in the same year.
We handle personal income tax return preparation, business income and expense review, sole proprietor tax filing support, corporate tax return preparation, GST/HST return preparation, input tax credit review, payroll source deduction filing support, T4 and year-end payroll support, CRA notice and reassessment review, prior-year and late tax filing support, non-resident tax filing review, rental income reporting support, tax document organization, and CRA post-filing follow-up support.
Documents Required for Tax Preparation
Bringing the right documents from the start means your return gets prepared faster with fewer back-and-forth requests. Missing slips increase reassessment risk and delay filing. Here is what each situation typically requires.
Personal Tax Documents
Bring government-issued identification if you are a new client, your Social Insurance Number, and your prior-year Notice of Assessment. Income slips include T4, T4A, T5, T3, T5008, and T2202 where applicable. Also bring RRSP contribution receipts, medical receipts, childcare receipts, tuition receipts, donation receipts, rent or property tax documentation where eligible, rental income and expense records if applicable, and any CRA letters or notices received during the year.
Business Tax Documents
Everything listed above for personal filing, plus business income records and invoices, expense receipts, bank and credit card statements, business loan and asset purchase records, a vehicle mileage log if you are claiming vehicle expenses, home office measurements and costs if claiming workspace expenses, payroll summaries if you have employees, and GST/HST filing records if you are registered. Include your prior-year return and Notice of Assessment as well.
Corporate Tax Documents
Year-end financial statements covering the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of retained earnings, a reconciled trial balance, general ledger, bank reconciliations, shareholder loan details, dividend resolutions and declarations, payroll summaries, GST/HST records, and asset addition and disposal records. Also bring the prior-year T2 return and Notice of Assessment.
CRA Notice and Audit Documents
The original CRA letter or notice, the previously filed return it relates to, any CRA account correspondence, supporting receipts and records the notice references, bank statements, and payroll or GST/HST records if CRA has mentioned them specifically in their request.
How Our Tax Preparation Process Works
From the moment you reach out to the point CRA confirms your filing, here is exactly what happens at each stage. Nothing gets submitted without your review and approval first.
Initial Filing Review
We identify whether you need personal, business, corporate, GST/HST, payroll, non-resident, or CRA notice support and confirm the full scope before preparation begins.
Document Collection
You provide your tax slips, receipts, financial records, prior returns, and CRA correspondence through our secure client portal, by in-person drop-off, or by mail.
Missing Item Check
We review what you have provided and flag missing slips, unreconciled accounts, unclear income sources, or incomplete records before we begin preparing the return.
Tax Preparation
We prepare the relevant return, schedules, remittance calculations, or response package depending on your filing type.
Client Review
We walk you through the filing summary, explain the refund or balance owing, answer questions, and get your approval before anything is submitted.
CRA Filing or Submission
We file the return or submit the prepared response through the appropriate CRA method for your situation.
Post-Filing Support
We monitor your Notice of Assessment, flag any discrepancies from what we filed, and prepare a follow-up response if CRA requests additional information.
Filing Deadlines & CRA Compliance Facts
Missing a deadline costs more than the filing itself. These are the official CRA dates and obligations for the 2025 tax year and the 2026 filing season.
Personal & Self-Employed
For most individuals, personal tax returns are due April 30, 2026. Self-employed individuals and their spouses have until June 15, 2026 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30, 2026.
Corporate Tax Returns
Corporate tax returns must be filed within six months after the end of each corporate tax year, according to CRA’s corporation filing requirements.
GST/HST Returns
GST/HST returns and remittances are generally due at the same time as the GST/HST return for each reporting period, with different rules applying to annual filers and instalment situations. Full guidance is available on the CRA GST/HST for businesses page.
Payroll Remittances
Regular payroll remitters send remittances by the 15th day of the month following the pay period, according to CRA payroll guidance.
CRA Audits & Reassessments
CRA audits examine books and records to confirm whether tax obligations are being met and whether benefits or refunds have been calculated correctly.
Tax Preparation Pricing & Quote Logic
Pricing varies based on filing type, number of income sources, business structure, transaction volume, bookkeeping condition, and whether GST/HST, payroll, or CRA correspondence is involved. Here is how it is structured.
| Service | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Personal tax returns | Starting at $[X] |
| Self-employed / sole proprietor filing | Starting at $[X] |
| Small business tax filing | Starting at $[X] |
| Corporate T2 filing | Starting at $[X] |
| GST/HST filing | Per filing period or quoted after review |
| Payroll tax filing | Monthly or year-end package pricing |
| CRA notice response | Quoted after reviewing the CRA letter |
| Audit support | Quoted based on CRA request scope |
| Non-resident / cross-border filing | Quoted after residency and income review |
[ Replace all $[X] figures with actual starting prices before the page goes live. ]
Every quote is based on your actual file. Book a consultation and we will give you a number specific to your situation.
Book a Tax Filing Consultation →
Why Choose The Acctax Company for Tax Preparation?
Here is what Acctax actually offers rather than what sounds good on paper.
The firm carries 17 plus years of tax and accounting experience across personal, business, and corporate filing. We handle T1, T2, GST/HST, payroll, CRA notices, audit support, and non-resident filings. Every client receives a clear document checklist before preparation starts so there are no surprises during intake. Nothing gets filed without your review and sign-off. After filing, we monitor your Notice of Assessment and respond if CRA adjusts figures or requests additional documentation. Documents are collected through a secure portal, and when we explain your results we do it in plain language.
Common Tax Filing Situations We Support
Most clients come to us with one of the situations below. A number comes in with more than one at the same time.
First-time filing
We help gather slips, set up CRA account access, and walk through the return summary so you know exactly what was filed and why.
Late tax filing
We prepare missing prior-year returns, organize the required documents, and file in the order CRA expects to minimize penalties where possible.
Self-employed filing
We review business income, expenses, home office costs, vehicle claims, and GST/HST records where applicable to make sure the T2125 schedule is complete.
Corporate year-end filing
We prepare T2 filing support based on corporate records and year-end financials, including GIFI schedules and the Small Business Deduction calculation.
GST/HST catch-up filing
We review reporting periods, sales tax collected, input tax credits, and remittance amounts to bring the account current.
Payroll tax issues
We review payroll remittance obligations, source deduction calculations, and year-end employer filing requirements.
CRA notice received
We review the notice, identify what CRA is asking for, and prepare a response with supporting documentation.
Audit selected by CRA
We organize books, records, and supporting documents and prepare the response CRA has requested through the audit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about our tax preparation process, deadlines, and CRA compliance support.
What are tax preparation services?
Tax preparation services involve reviewing your documents, preparing the correct return or remittance for your situation, checking supporting information, filing through the appropriate CRA channel, and helping you understand your Notice of Assessment or any CRA follow-up that comes after.
What documents do I need for tax preparation?
Individuals generally need tax slips, receipts, prior-year Notice of Assessment, ID, and any CRA correspondence from the year. Businesses add income records, expense receipts, bank statements, payroll summaries, GST/HST records, and prior-year filings. CRA advises gathering all slips, receipts, and supporting documents before meeting with a tax preparer.
Do I need a tax preparer or can I use software?
Tax software handles straightforward personal returns well. A tax preparer adds more value when the file involves business income, rental income, corporate filings, GST/HST, payroll, non-resident situations, missing prior years, or CRA notices, because those require judgment and review that software does not provide.
When is the personal tax deadline in Canada?
For the 2025 tax year, most individuals must file by April 30, 2026. Self-employed individuals and their spouses have until June 15, 2026 to file, but any balance owing is still due April 30, 2026.
When is a corporate tax return due?
CRA requires corporations to file their T2 return within six months after the end of each corporate tax year.
Can tax preparation include GST/HST filing?
Yes. When a business is registered for GST/HST, preparation can include return filing, ITC review, remittance calculations, and catch-up filing for missed periods. Full details are on the CRA GST/HST guidance page.
Can you help if I received a CRA notice?
Yes. If the notice relates to a return, reassessment, document request, balance owing, GST/HST, payroll, or audit, we review it and prepare the appropriate response. What we do depends on exactly what the letter says.
Can you help with a CRA audit?
Yes. Audit support includes organizing records, reviewing CRA’s specific requests, preparing supporting documentation, and responding through the audit process. CRA states that audits examine books and records to confirm tax obligations are being met correctly.
Start Your Tax Preparation Today
Get help preparing personal, business, corporate, GST/HST, payroll, non-resident, or CRA-related tax filings with a clear document checklist, a full review before filing, and post-filing support if CRA follows up.
How Electronic Filing Works (NETFILE vs EFILE)?
Electronic filing reduces processing time from weeks to days. CRA accepts electronic returns through two primary channels: NETFILE for individuals filing their own returns using certified software, and EFILE for returns submitted by authorized tax preparers on a client’s behalf. Understanding which channel applies determines how your return reaches CRA and how quickly you receive your Notice of Assessment.
NETFILE: Individual Self-Filing Through Certified Software
NETFILE is CRA’s electronic filing service that allows individuals to file their T1 income tax return directly using CRA-certified tax software.
Who Uses NETFILE:
- Individuals preparing and filing their own T1 return
- People using consumer tax software (TurboTax, Wealthsimple Tax, UFile, StudioTax, etc.)
How It Works:
- Individual completes their T1 return using NETFILE-certified software
- Software transmits the return electronically to CRA
- CRA receives and processes the return
- Notice of Assessment appears in CRA My Account (typically within 2 weeks for electronic filing)
- Refund deposited via direct deposit (if registered) or cheque mailed
NETFILE Access Code:
- Located on your most recent Notice of Assessment
- Found inside CRA My Account under “Tax returns”
- Not mandatory for filing—CRA will verify identity through other means if code unavailable
- Speeds up identity confirmation during filing
NETFILE Eligibility:
- Available for most T1 filers (individuals)
- Some exclusions apply (non-residents, bankruptcy filers, certain complex situations)
- Certified software validates eligibility before transmission
EFILE: Professional Tax Preparer Submission
- Professional tax preparers filing returns on behalf of clients
- Accounting firms with EFILE authorization from CRA
- Tax preparation businesses meeting CRA’s EFILE requirements
- Tax preparer collects client documents and prepares the return
- Client reviews and approves the completed return
- Preparer transmits the return to CRA through EFILE-certified software
- CRA receives and processes the return
- Preparer receives confirmation number
- Notice of Assessment issued to client (available in CRA My Account and mailed)
- Must apply and be approved for CRA’s EFILE program
- Use CRA-certified tax preparation software
- Meet suitability requirements (no disqualifying criminal record, no outstanding tax debts affecting suitability)
- Maintain client authorization records
- Returns filed by a professional who understands deduction eligibility and credit optimization
- Preparer handles the technical submission process
- Errors caught before filing through professional review
- Post-filing support available for CRA correspondence
Paper Filing: When It's Required
Paper filing involves mailing a completed tax return to CRA’s processing centre.
When Paper Filing Applies:
- First-time filers without a CRA My Account
- Non-residents filing Canadian returns
- Returns excluded from electronic filing (certain trusts, specific form requirements)
- Voluntary choice (though electronic filing is faster)
Processing Time:
- Paper returns take 4–8 weeks for CRA to process (vs. 2 weeks for electronic)
- Refunds delayed compared to NETFILE/EFILE submissions
- Mail delays add additional time
Our Approach: We prepare paper returns when required but recommend electronic filing through EFILE for faster processing and confirmation tracking.
NETFILE vs EFILE Comparison
Attribute | NETFILE | EFILE |
Who Files | Individual (self) | Tax preparer (on client’s behalf) |
Software Used | Consumer NETFILE-certified software | Professional EFILE-certified software |
Authorization Required | No (filing own return) | Yes (preparer must have CRA EFILE approval) |
Typical Processing | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
Access Code Needed | Optional (speeds confirmation) | Not applicable (preparer handles) |
Best For | Simple returns, confident self-filers | Complex situations, time-constrained filers, business returns |
Our Filing Process (From Documents to CRA Confirmation)
Tax preparation follows a structured workflow: document intake, return preparation, client review, electronic submission, and post-filing support. The Acctax Company completes this process within 5–7 business days for standard returns, with confirmation provided once CRA accepts the filing.
Step 1: Document Intake and Identity Verification
What Happens:
- You provide tax documents (slips, receipts, prior returns)
- We verify identity and confirm filing scope (personal, business, corporate)
- Missing documents identified within 24 hours of intake
What We Need:
- Government-issued ID (for new clients)
- Social Insurance Number
- All T4, T5, T3, T4A slips received
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
- Business records (if self-employed or corporate)
- CRA correspondence (if any outstanding)
Document Submission Options:
- Secure client portal (upload documents 24/7)
- In-person drop-off (Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo offices)
- Mail (for paper documents)
Step 2: Return Preparation and Optimization
What Happens:
- We enter all income sources and verify against CRA records (T-slip matching)
- Eligible deductions and credits applied (RRSP, childcare, medical, charitable donations, business expenses)
- Calculations verified for accuracy
- Consistency checks run against prior-year returns
Optimization Focus:
- Identify commonly missed deductions (home office, vehicle expenses, carrying charges)
- Apply income-splitting opportunities where eligible (pension splitting, spousal RRSP)
- Calculate optimal RRSP contribution to minimize tax or maximize refund
- Review capital gains/losses for loss carryforward or carryback opportunities
Step 3: Client Review and Approval
What Happens:
- Draft return summary provided for your review
- Refund or balance owing amount confirmed
- Questions addressed before submission
- You authorize filing (electronic signature or written approval)
What You See:
- Line-by-line summary of income reported
- Deductions and credits claimed
- Net tax calculation
- Refund amount or balance owing
- Estimated assessment date
Step 4: EFILE Submission and Confirmation
What Happens:
- Return submitted electronically through CRA’s EFILE program
- Confirmation number received within minutes
- Submission receipt provided to you immediately
What You Receive:
- EFILE confirmation number
- Copy of filed return (PDF)
- Filing summary with key figures
- Expected Notice of Assessment timeline (typically 2 weeks)
Step 5: After Filing (Notice of Assessment and Next Steps)
What Happens:
- We monitor for your Notice of Assessment
- NOA reviewed upon receipt to confirm CRA accepted figures as filed
- Discrepancies identified and explained
- Response prepared if CRA adjusts or requests information
What You Receive:
- NOA summary and explanation
- Alert if CRA changed any figures
- Response support (included for NOA discrepancies within filing engagement)
- Instalment reminder (if CRA requires instalments for next year)
Post-Filing Support:
- T1 Adjustment Request filing (if correction needed after NOA)
- CRA correspondence response
- Audit support (if selected for review)
What Documents to Bring (Filing Checklist)
Individual (T1) Document Checklist
Income Documents:
- T4 — Employment income (from each employer)
- T4A — Pension, retirement, annuity, and other income
- T4E — Employment Insurance benefits
- T5 — Investment income (interest, dividends)
- T3 — Trust income allocations
- T4RSP — RRSP income
- T4RIF — RRIF income
- T5007 — Social assistance or workers’ compensation
- T5008 — Securities transactions
Deduction and Credit Documents:
- RRSP contribution receipts
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense receipts (prescriptions, dental, vision, medical travel)
- Childcare expense receipts (with provider SIN)
- T2202 — Tuition and education amounts
- Public transit passes (if eligible provincial credit)
- Home Buyers’ Amount documentation (if first-time buyer)
- Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201) if applicable
CRA Documents:
- Prior-year Notice of Assessment
- NETFILE access code (from NOA or CRA My Account optional but helpful)
- CRA correspondence received during the year
Self-Employed / Small Business Document Checklist
All Individual Documents Above, Plus:
Business Income:
- Sales invoices issued (or income summary)
- Cash/cheque/e-transfer payment records
- 1099 or T4A slips from clients (if received)
- Platform earnings statements (Uber, DoorDash, Airbnb, etc.)
Business Expenses:
- Advertising and marketing receipts
- Business insurance premiums
- Office supplies and materials
- Software subscriptions (business use)
- Professional fees (legal, accounting)
- Subcontractor payments
- Business travel (transportation, accommodation, meals at 50%)
Vehicle Expenses (if claiming):
- Total kilometres driven during year
- Business kilometres driven (logbook required)
- Fuel receipts
- Insurance, registration, maintenance receipts
- Lease or loan interest documentation
Home Office Expenses (if claiming):
- Total square footage of home
- Square footage of workspace used regularly and exclusively for business
- Rent or mortgage interest paid
- Property tax paid
- Utilities (heat, electricity, water)
- Home insurance
- Maintenance and repairs (proportionate)
Capital Purchases:
- Equipment, computer, furniture purchases (invoices)
- Vehicle purchase documentation (if claiming CCA)
Corporate (T2) Document Checklist
Financial Statements:
- Year-end income statement
- Year-end balance sheet
- Statement of retained earnings
- Reconciled trial balance
- General ledger detail (if requested)
Corporate Records:
- Articles of Incorporation
- Shareholder register
- Dividend resolutions and declarations
- Shareholder loan account ledger
- Minutes documenting director decisions (salary, dividends)
CRA and Banking:
- Prior-year T2 return and Notice of Assessment
- CRA corporation account number (RC)
- Bank statements for corporate accounts
- Investment account statements
Related Filings:
- T5 slips issued (if dividends paid)
- T4 slips issued (if salaries paid)
- GST/HST return records (if registrant)
GST/HST Registrant Document Checklist
- Sales records with GST/HST collected (by period)
- Purchase records with GST/HST paid (Input Tax Credits)
- Point-of-sale or accounting software GST/HST reports
- Bank statements reconciled to sales
- Prior GST/HST returns filed
- Quick Method election letter (if applicable)
- GST/HST account number (RT)
CRA Notices, Assessments, and Represent a Client Support
Notice of Assessment vs Notice of Reassessment
Notice of Assessment (NOA):
- Issued after CRA processes your return
- Confirms income, deductions, credits, and tax calculated
- Shows refund amount or balance owing
- Becomes your official tax record for that year
- Arrives within 2 weeks (electronic filing) or 4–8 weeks (paper filing)
Notice of Reassessment (NOR):
- Issued when CRA changes previously assessed figures
- Results from CRA review, audit, or adjustment request
- May increase or decrease your tax liability
- Requires review to understand what changed and why
- Response deadline typically 90 days for formal objection
Our Role: We review every NOA and NOR for clients we file for. If CRA changed figures from what we submitted, we explain the change and advise on response options.
When CRA Requests a Response
Common CRA Requests:
- Request for supporting documents (receipts, contracts)
- Request for Information letter (specific questions about reported amounts)
- Pre-assessment review (CRA holds refund pending verification)
- Processing review (random selection or triggered by discrepancy)
Response Deadlines:
- Most requests require response within 30 days
- Formal objections must be filed within 90 days of NOA/NOR date
- Missing deadlines limits your options
Our Support: We prepare response letters, assemble supporting documentation, and submit on your behalf. Clients who filed with us receive response support for CRA inquiries related to returns we prepared.
Authorization: Represent a Client (RAC)
What Represent a Client Means: Represent a Client is CRA’s portal that allows authorized representatives (accountants, tax preparers) to access client tax information and act on their behalf for specific matters.
Authorization Levels:
- Level 1 (Disclose): Representative can view your tax information
- Level 2 (Disclose + Request): Representative can view and request changes
- Level 3 (Disclose + Request + Legal):
Authorization levels and access depend on the type of CRA account and the authorization granted. We confirm the required access level before acting on a client’s account.
How to Authorize Us:
Option 1 — Through CRA My Account:
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Go to “Authorized representatives”
- Select “Authorize a representative”
- Enter our Business Number (provided at engagement)
- Select authorization level
- Confirm authorization
Option 2 — Paper Form: Complete Form AUT 01 (Authorizing or Cancelling a Representative) and submit to CRA.
Option 3 — By Phone: Call CRA and authorize verbally (requires identity verification).
What Authorization Allows Us to Do:
- View your tax information (returns filed, NOAs, account balances)
- Request adjustments on your behalf
- Respond to CRA inquiries
- File objections (Level 3)
- Discuss your account with CRA agents
What Authorization Does Not Allow:
- We cannot change your bank account or direct deposit
- We cannot authorize additional representatives
- We cannot access information outside the scope granted
GST/HST Registrant Document Checklist
Serving Ontario (Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge)
The Acctax Company prepares and files tax returns for individuals and businesses across Ontario, with physical offices serving the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge region. Remote clients across Canada access the same services through our secure portal.
Acctax Company Office Locations and Hours
Kitchener Office:
- 178 Coach Hill Dive Kitchner
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cambridge Offices:
- 15 Lena Crescent Cambridge
- 657 Franklin Blvd Cambridge
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Waterloo Office:
- 100 Frobisher Dive Waterloo
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ontario Industries We Serve
Industry-Specific Solutions
Business accounting requirements vary by industry. We configure our services to match how your business actually operates whether you’re tracking job costs on construction sites or reconciling Stripe payouts from your Shopify store.
Tax Preparation and Filing FAQs
Personal filers need: T4 employment slips, T5 investment income slips, RRSP contribution receipts, charitable donation receipts, medical expense receipts, and prior-year Notice of Assessment. Self-employed individuals add business income records, expense receipts, vehicle logbook, and home office calculations. Corporate filers provide financial statements, trial balance, shareholder loan records, and dividend resolutions.
NETFILE is CRA's electronic filing service for individuals filing their own T1 return using certified software. EFILE is CRA's program for authorized tax preparers to file client returns electronically. When you hire The Acctax Company, we file through EFILE on your behalf.
Standard returns are completed within 5–7 business days from document receipt. Corporate returns and complex filings require 7–14 business days. During peak tax season (March–April), add 2–3 business days. Rush service available for urgent filings.
Yes. We prepare and file GST/HST returns (monthly, quarterly, or annual) and support payroll remittances including T4 slip preparation and year-end filing. These services are quoted separately from income tax return preparation.
We review all CRA notices for clients whose returns we prepared. If CRA requests information or issues a reassessment, we explain the notice, prepare the response, and submit on your behalf. Clients should forward any CRA correspondence immediately so we can meet response deadlines.
Yes. We file prior-year returns (back taxes) for individuals and corporations. Each prior-year return is quoted separately based on complexity and research required. Voluntary disclosure may apply if unreported income is involved.
File with accuracy and confidence.
Spend less time on bookkeeping and more time growing your business. Let The AccTax Company Inc. financial experts handle the details, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and experience seamless financial operations.
