A letter from the Canada Revenue Agency can be stressful, but most are routine. Here is how to handle one.
1. Make sure it's really from CRA
Scams are common. CRA will not ask for payment by gift card, prepaid card or cryptocurrency, and will not threaten arrest. Log in to CRA My Account or My Business Account: genuine letters normally appear there too.
2. Identify the type of letter
- Review or request for information: CRA wants receipts or documents to support a claim, such as medical expenses, tuition or child care.
- Proposal letter: CRA plans to change your return and gives you a chance to respond first.
- Notice of reassessment: CRA has changed your return and you may owe more or receive a refund.
- Collections notice: a balance is overdue.
3. Note the deadline
Most review letters give about 30 days to respond. If you disagree with a reassessment, an individual generally has 90 days from the date of the notice, or one year from the filing due date if later, to file a notice of objection.
4. Respond with the right documents
Send clear copies of exactly what was asked for, organized and labelled. Uploading through My Account is usually fastest.
5. Don't ignore it
If you don't respond, CRA will usually deny the claim and reassess you, with interest.
How we can help
With your authorization, we can read the letter, explain what CRA wants, prepare the response and deal with CRA directly. Book a free 15-minute call and bring the letter with you.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Rules and amounts change; contact us about your situation.