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CRA Notices

A CRA letter sitting on your desk does not get easier to deal with the longer it sits there.

Received a CRA notice, reassessment, review letter, document request, balance notice, or audit letter? AccTax helps you understand what CRA is asking for, organize the required documents, prepare the response, and act before the deadline passes.

Book CRA Notice Review
Person signing the papers
CRA Letter Review
Deadline Triage
Evidence Package Preparation
Response Drafting and CRA Follow-Up
CRA Assistance

You May Need This Service If:

CRA changed your refund into a balance owing and the notice needs review before payment or dispute

CRA asked for receipts, slips, invoices, or bank records and the response needs organized evidence

You received a Notice of Reassessment and the objection or review window may be time-sensitive

CRA sent a GST/HST, payroll, or corporate account notice and business records may be required

You are close to the response deadline and an incomplete response can create more problems

Corporate Tax Filing Support
Audit Protection

Did You Receive a CRA Notice or Letter?

Most people who receive a CRA notice spend the first few days trying to figure out whether it is serious. The answer usually depends on the type of notice, what CRA is asking for, and how much time is left to respond.

The worst outcome is not the notice itself. Missing the deadline, ignoring the request, or sending the wrong documents and triggering a deeper review are the outcomes that cause lasting damage. AccTax reviews the letter first, explains what CRA actually wants, and handles the response so nothing gets missed.

CRA Notice Letter Review Support
CRA Information

What Is a CRA Notice?

A CRA notice is any written communication from the Canada Revenue Agency about your tax account, filing history, balance, or records. Some notices are routine confirmations. Others require action within a specific deadline.

The most important distinction is whether the notice is informational or requires a response. AccTax classifies every letter before anything else happens so the response matches what CRA is actually asking for.

What Is a CRA Notice Explanation
Classification Framework

What Type of CRA Notice Did You Receive?

Different notice types carry different deadlines and different response requirements. Here is how the main categories break down.

Did you receive a Notice of Assessment?

A Notice of Assessment is CRA's confirmation that your return was received and processed. It shows the calculated tax owing or refund, RRSP contribution room, and any adjustments CRA made. Most NOAs require no response unless the figures differ from what you filed.

Did you receive a Notice of Reassessment?

A Notice of Reassessment means CRA changed figures on a previously assessed return. This is more serious than an NOA. CRA may have added income, disallowed a deduction, or adjusted a credit. If you disagree, objection deadlines depend on the notice type and tax program. Many CRA objections must be filed within 90 days of the notice date, but some income tax objection timelines may be later. AccTax confirms the deadline from the notice before recommending next steps.

Did CRA send a review or verification letter?

CRA review letters ask you to confirm specific claims on your return, such as a deduction, credit, or income figure. CRA states that a review is usually not an audit and is most often a routine check to verify return information. An incomplete or poorly organized response can still escalate the matter.

Did CRA request receipts, slips, invoices, or records?

Document requests ask for supporting evidence behind a specific claim. The requested documents need to be complete, legible, and organized against what CRA asked for. Sending a pile of unorganized receipts in response to a specific request is one of the most common mistakes that prolongs CRA reviews.

Did you receive a balance owing or collection notice?

Balance notices tell you that CRA believes you owe money, with interest accruing from the original due date. CRA charges interest on most unpaid balances compounded daily. These notices require prompt attention because the balance grows while the letter sits.

Did you receive a GST/HST or payroll notice?

Business account notices relate to GST/HST returns, payroll source deductions, corporate tax accounts, or remittance balances. These are separate from personal income tax notices and require business records rather than personal tax documents.

Did you receive an audit letter?

An audit letter means CRA is formally examining your books and records. This is materially different from a review letter. AccTax handles notice response and review support, and coordinates with audit-specific support for formal audit engagements. Visit our Audit Support page for full audit details

Action Plan

What Should You Do First After Receiving a CRA Notice?

Speed matters, but accuracy matters more. Responding quickly with incomplete or incorrect documentation is worse than taking a few extra days to organize the response properly.

How do you identify the CRA notice type?

Read the first paragraph of the letter carefully. CRA notice types are usually identified by name at the top of the document. Look for the words "Notice of Assessment," "Notice of Reassessment," "Review," or "Request for Information" to confirm the category before deciding how to respond.

Where do you find the tax year, reference number, and deadline?

The tax year and reference number appear near the top of every CRA notice. The response deadline is either stated explicitly or implied by the notice type. Objection deadlines vary by notice type, so AccTax confirms the exact deadline from the notice before advising on the response timeline. Review response deadlines are usually stated in the letter itself.

What documents should you gather before responding?

Start with the return or filing the notice relates to, the Notice of Assessment or prior correspondence for that year, and any receipts, invoices, or records CRA specifically requested. AccTax provides a document checklist tailored to the notice type after reviewing the letter.

Should you respond immediately or ask CRA for more time?

CRA sometimes grants extensions for responding to review requests, but this must be requested before the deadline, not after. AccTax reviews the notice immediately after upload, confirms the deadline, and advises whether an extension request is appropriate or whether the timeline allows for a complete response.

When should you speak with an accountant before replying?

Before responding to any notice involving a reassessment, a business income adjustment, a GST/HST or payroll account issue, or a balance owing that you believe is incorrect. Responding without professional review in these situations frequently makes the matter harder to resolve.

Our Expertise

What Does Our CRA Notice Response Service Include?

AccTax supports the response cycle through submission, follow-up, and next-step guidance if CRA replies again.

We review the CRA letter and explain exactly what it means in plain language. We identify the deadline, the required response type, and the documents needed. We check whether the notice relates to a filing error that needs to be corrected alongside the response. We organize the supporting documents into a complete evidence package that directly addresses what CRA asked for. We prepare a written response where required. We guide submission through the correct CRA channel, whether that is My Account, My Business Account, or mail. We follow up if CRA sends a second letter.
CRA Notice Analysis Framework
Required Records

What Documents Do You Need for CRA Notice Help?

Providing the right documents upfront speeds up the review and reduces back-and-forth. Here is what AccTax typically needs depending on the notice type.

What CRA letter or notice should you provide?

The original CRA letter or notice, including the full document with the reference number, notice date, and any instructions or deadlines stated by CRA.

What tax return or filing does the notice relate to?

The filed return for the tax year the notice references, along with the original Notice of Assessment for that year and any prior CRA correspondence related to the same period.

What receipts, invoices, slips, or statements may be needed?

If CRA is asking about a specific deduction, credit, or income claim, provide the receipts, invoices, T4 slips, T5 slips, or other supporting documents that relate directly to what CRA is questioning.

What business records may be needed for CRA review?

For business-related notices, provide sales records, expense receipts, bank statements, supplier invoices, contracts, and any bookkeeping reports that cover the period under review.

What GST/HST or payroll records may be required?

If the notice involves GST/HST or payroll accounts, provide filed GST/HST returns, remittance records, payroll summaries, source deduction records, and T4 or T4A documentation for the relevant periods.

What prior CRA correspondence should be included?

Any previous letters, notices, review requests, or responses related to the same account or tax year, as these help AccTax understand the full context of the current notice before preparing the response.

Workflow

How Does the CRA Notice Response Process Work?

Step 1: Notice Classification

We review the letter, identify the notice type, and confirm the deadline and response risk before anything else.

Step 2: Document Review

We review available records and identify what is missing relative to what CRA requested.

Step 3: Evidence Package Preparation

We organize supporting documents into a clear, structured response package that addresses CRA's request directly.

Step 4: Response Preparation

We prepare a written response where required, ensuring the language and documents align with the specific notice type.

Step 5: Submission

We guide submission through the correct CRA channel and confirm receipt where possible.

Step 6: Follow-Up

We track CRA's response and advise on next steps if CRA replies, reassesses, or escalates.

Comparison Guide

What Is the Difference Between a CRA Review, Reassessment, Audit, and Objection?

Is a CRA review the same as an audit?

No. CRA states clearly that an income tax review is usually not a tax audit and is most often a routine check to verify return information. A review typically asks for documentation supporting a specific claim. An audit is a formal examination of books and records and carries different procedural rights and timelines.

What does a Notice of Reassessment mean?

A Notice of Reassessment means CRA has changed figures on a return that was previously assessed. CRA may have added unreported income, disallowed a deduction or credit, or adjusted a calculation. The NOR shows what changed and what the revised balance is.

When does a CRA notice become an audit issue?

When CRA moves from requesting specific documents to examining the broader pattern of income, expenses, and records across multiple years or multiple returns. AccTax coordinates with our Audit Support service when a file crosses from notice response into formal audit territory.

When should a CRA issue become a formal objection?

When you disagree with a reassessment and want to formally dispute the amount. Objection deadlines depend on the notice type and tax program. Many CRA objections must be filed within 90 days of the notice date, but some income tax objection timelines may be later. Missing this deadline limits your options significantly. AccTax advises on objection eligibility and timing after reviewing the reassessment.

When should a tax lawyer be involved instead of only an accountant?

When the dispute involves large dollar amounts, criminal investigation risk, transfer pricing, or a matter headed toward Tax Court. For many small business and individual reassessments, accountant-supported objection preparation may be appropriate. Legal referral may be needed for higher-risk disputes. AccTax advises clearly when a referral to a tax lawyer is in the client's best interest.

Critical Update

What Happens If You Ignore a CRA Notice?

Ignoring a CRA notice does not make the matter go away. CRA can deny the deduction or credit in question without a response, confirm the reassessment as final, add penalties for non-compliance, and escalate to collection action on unpaid balances.

Interest on most unpaid CRA balances compounds daily from the original due date. The longer a balance sits unaddressed, the larger it becomes.

CRA Audit Compliance Threat Warning Overview
Fee Transparency

How Much Does CRA Notice Help Cost?

Pricing depends on the notice type, the complexity of the required response, the condition of available records, and whether the matter involves a single return or multiple years. A straightforward NOA review with no required response costs less than preparing a complete evidence package for a multi-year reassessment involving business income and GST/HST.

AccTax provides a specific quote after reviewing the notice and the available records, because CRA notice work varies too much for flat-rate estimates to be meaningful.

Request a Quote After Notice Review
Decision Framework

Should You Respond to CRA Yourself or Hire an Accountant?

When is a CRA notice simple enough to handle yourself?

A Notice of Assessment that matches your filed return exactly and shows no balance owing or adjustment requires no response. Similarly, a simple document request for one or two receipts that you have readily available and can organize clearly is manageable without professional support.

When does professional CRA notice help become important?

Professional support adds clear value when the notice involves a reassessment, a disputed deduction or credit, a balance owing you believe is incorrect, a business income review, or any notice related to GST/HST, payroll, or corporate tax accounts. The complexity of the response and the financial exposure both increase significantly in these situations.

What risks increase when the notice involves business income, GST/HST, payroll, reassessment, or audit language?

Each of these factors introduces a layer of complexity that compounds the others. A reassessment dispute that is handled incorrectly can result in a missed objection deadline. A business income review that receives incomplete documentation can escalate into a broader examination. CRA correspondence involving payroll or GST/HST accounts touches separate obligations with their own penalty structures.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose The AccTax Company for CRA Notices?

How does notice classification reduce confusion?

Every CRA engagement at AccTax begins with classifying the notice type before any documents are collected or any response is prepared. Knowing whether you received an NOA, NOR, review letter, document request, or audit notification determines the response path, the timeline, and the risk level. Skipping this step is where most DIY responses go wrong.

How does organized documentation improve CRA response quality?

CRA reviews the documentation submitted alongside a response and makes decisions based on what is there. An evidence package that directly addresses each item CRA requested, in a clear and organized format, produces better outcomes than a collection of unorganized receipts sent at the last minute.

How does plain-language communication reduce CRA notice stress?

AccTax explains what the notice means, what CRA is asking for, and what the response will contain before anything is submitted. Most of the stress that comes with CRA notices is tied to uncertainty. Understanding the situation clearly makes the process considerably less difficult.

How does post-response follow-up help if CRA replies again?

AccTax supports the response cycle through submission, follow-up, and next-step guidance if CRA replies again. If CRA sends a second letter, requests additional documents, or issues a further reassessment, AccTax reviews the new correspondence and advises on the next step using the same file context from the original engagement.

How does bookkeeping and tax filing support fix the root issue?

CRA notices often point to an underlying records or filing issue. If disorganized bookkeeping, missing receipts, or an incorrect return triggered the notice, AccTax can address both the immediate CRA response and the recordkeeping or filing gaps that contributed to it through our Monthly Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation services.
Common Queries

What Questions Do People Ask About CRA Notices?

No. A Notice of Assessment confirming your return was processed as filed requires no response. The notices that require action are reassessments, review letters, document requests, balance notices, and audit letters. You know quickly whether action is needed after the notice is reviewed by AccTax.
No. A Notice of Assessment confirms CRA processed your return. A Notice of Reassessment means CRA changed figures on a return that was already assessed. The NOR requires review and possibly a formal response, where the NOA usually does not.
No. CRA states that an income tax review is usually not a tax audit and is most often a routine check to verify return information. A review asks for specific documents. An audit examines books and records more broadly and carries different procedural rights.
Objection deadlines depend on the notice type and tax program. Many CRA objections must be filed within 90 days of the notice date, but some income tax objection timelines may be later. Review letters typically state a response deadline in the letter itself. AccTax confirms the exact deadline immediately after reviewing the notice.
Yes. Documents can be submitted through My Account for individuals, My Business Account for business registrants, and through the Submit Documents feature in either account. AccTax guides submission through the correct channel to confirm CRA received the response.
Lost receipts create a real but manageable problem. Depending on the purchase type, alternatives such as bank statements, credit card records, supplier records, or written statements may partially support the claim. AccTax assesses what is available and advises on the strongest response with the documentation that exists.
Yes. A refund changed to a balance owing typically follows a reassessment. AccTax reviews the Notice of Reassessment, explains what changed, and advises on the response or objection options depending on the situation.
Yes. Business reassessments often involve adjustments to income, deductions, or credits across a T2 corporate return or a T2125 business income filing. AccTax reviews the reassessment, prepares the response or objection package, and coordinates with our Corporate Tax Filing and Small Business Tax Filing services as needed.
Yes. GST/HST and payroll notices relate to separate CRA accounts with their own filing obligations and penalty structures. AccTax reviews the notice, identifies what CRA is asking about, and prepares the response with the appropriate business records. Visit our GST/HST Filing page and Payroll Tax Filing page for related service details.
Yes. CRA sometimes sends follow-up requests after an initial response, asking for additional documents or clarifying a position. AccTax handles follow-up correspondence for any notice engagement until the matter is resolved.
Take Action Today

Ready to Respond to Your CRA Notice?

Every CRA notice has a deadline. The response needs to be complete, organized, and submitted through the correct channel before that deadline passes.

AccTax reviews your notice, explains what CRA is asking for, prepares the response package, and stays with the file until the matter is resolved.

Upload Your CRA Notice