Receiving a letter from the Canada Revenue Agency is stressful for most Kitchener taxpayers, even those who have done everything correctly. The good news is that most CRA correspondence is routine, not an indication of serious trouble.
Types of CRA Letters You Might Receive
- Processing notices: Routine confirmations that your return was received and processed. No action usually required.
- Requests for information: CRA is asking you to substantiate specific claims on your return. You need to provide documentation.
- Proposed reassessments: CRA is suggesting your return was filed incorrectly and proposing to change your assessment. You have 30 days to respond.
- Formal reassessments: CRA has changed your assessment. You have 90 days to file a Notice of Objection.
- Collections letters: CRA believes you owe money and is requesting payment or a payment plan.
- Audit notification: A formal audit of your personal or business tax affairs.
The Most Important Rule: Do Not Ignore It
Ignoring CRA correspondence does not make the issue go away. It escalates it. Missing a response deadline can mean losing your right to object to an assessment, even if the CRA is wrong. Open every letter immediately and note the response deadline.
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What To Do When You Receive a CRA Letter
- Read the letter fully and identify what type of correspondence it is
- Note the response deadline (typically 30 days from the date of the letter)
- Gather the documents referenced in the letter
- Do not contact CRA directly until you have reviewed the situation with a professional
- Contact your accountant immediately if the letter involves a proposed reassessment, audit notification, or collections matter
Our Kitchener professional team represents clients in CRA correspondence, audits, and objections. We draft responses, attend to CRA requests on your behalf, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. If you have received a CRA letter and are unsure how to respond, contact us before the deadline.