CRA Notice Assistance Card

CRA Notice Assistance

Audits • Reassessments • Reviews

CPA Guided

Official Representation

CRA Tax Support Services in Mississauga

Understand Your CRA Notice. Identify Your Next Steps.

Receiving a letter, review request, audit notice, or reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can leave you uncertain about what to do next. Shami CPA helps individuals and businesses understand their Canadian tax correspondence, organize relevant records, and assess the appropriate next steps based on their circumstances.
Whether you need help understanding a CRA request or evaluating a tax assessment you disagree with, start by discussing the notice, its requirements, and any applicable response deadlines.

Mississauga-based CPA support for Canadian tax matters, with remote assistance where appropriate.

What Is CRA Tax Support?

CRA tax support is professional assistance for understanding, preparing for, and responding to tax-related matters involving the Canada Revenue Agency.

The type of assistance required depends on the correspondence you have received, the tax year involved, the issue being examined, and whether the CRA has already issued an assessment or reassessment.

For example, you may receive a request to substantiate a deduction, provide additional records, clarify reported income, or explain a transaction. In another situation, you may disagree with an assessment and need to understand whether a formal objection or another review process is appropriate.

The first step is to identify exactly what the CRA is asking for and determine what action is appropriate.

When might you need CRA tax support?

You may wish to seek professional assistance when:

You receive a CRA letter requesting documents or explanations.
The CRA selects a personal or business tax return for review or audit.
You are unsure how to substantiate an expense, deduction, credit, or reported amount.
You disagree with the CRA's interpretation of your tax circumstances.
You want to explore whether a formal objection or taxpayer relief request may be appropriate.

The correct approach depends on the specific issue. A request for supporting documents, a reassessment, and a formal tax dispute are different situations and should not automatically be handled in the same way.

The CRA provides separate processes for reviews, audits, objections, appeals, and taxpayer relief. Its guidance on objections, appeals, disputes, and relief measures explains the available procedures.

Who We Help With CRA Tax Support

CRA matters can affect individuals as well as businesses. The relevant records, tax rules, and response requirements depend on the taxpayer and the issue involved.

Individuals and Families

Individuals may need help understanding questions about reported income, deductions, credits, supporting documents, or a reassessment of a personal tax return.

Assistance can help clarify what information is relevant and what steps may be appropriate before responding.

Self-Employed Professionals and Sole Proprietors

Self-employed taxpayers may need to substantiate business income, expenses, or other amounts reported on a personal tax return.

Where records are incomplete or a CRA review raises questions about business transactions, the first priority is to identify the information requested and assemble accurate supporting documentation.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Business owners may receive CRA correspondence relating to business income, expenses, reporting, or other tax compliance matters.

Support may involve reviewing the correspondence, identifying relevant accounting records, and determining what information is needed to address the issue.

Incorporated Businesses

Corporations may require assistance understanding questions about corporate tax filings, reported transactions, supporting schedules, or other matters raised during a CRA review.

The appropriate response depends on the corporation’s filing history, the tax period involved, and the specific issues identified by the CRA.

Audience Index

Professional Categories

Not sure which situation applies to you? We can help you understand the tax matters that may need to be addressed.

What We Help With

What We Help With CRA Tax Support

The appropriate scope of assistance depends on the nature and complexity of the matter. The following describes potential areas of support to discuss with Shami CPA; specific services should be confirmed during the initial assessment.

CRA Tax Review and Audit Preparation

A review or audit may require you to substantiate reported amounts with records such as receipts, invoices, financial statements, or transaction details.

Support may involve identifying relevant records, organizing documentation, and helping prepare explanations that accurately reflect the underlying transactions.

The documentation required depends on the items under review. The CRA’s guidance on business audits explains the general audit process and taxpayer rights.

Reviewing CRA Assessments and Reassessments

If a notice of assessment or reassessment differs from your expectations, it is important to understand what the CRA changed and why.

The review may involve comparing the notice with the original return, examining the explanation provided by the CRA, and identifying supporting records or unresolved questions.

The next step may be clarification, a request to adjust information, or consideration of a formal objection, depending on the circumstances.

Assistance With Disputed Tax Assessments

If you believe the CRA has misunderstood relevant facts or applied the tax rules incorrectly, you may have grounds to consider a formal objection.

Preparing an objection requires more than stating that you disagree. The issues should be identified clearly, the reasons explained, and relevant supporting information assembled.

The applicable procedure and deadline must be checked for the specific assessment. Whether Shami CPA can accept and represent a particular dispute should be confirmed before engagement.

Exploring Taxpayer Relief Requests

In appropriate circumstances, taxpayers may be able to request relief from certain penalties or interest under the CRA’s taxpayer relief provisions.

Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and the facts supporting the request. Relief is not automatic, and submitting a request does not guarantee that the CRA will approve it.

Assistance may involve reviewing the circumstances, identifying relevant supporting documents, and determining whether preparing a request is appropriate.

Service 01

Understanding CRA Letters and Information Requests

A CRA letter may request specific documents, explanations, or clarification about information reported on a tax return.

Assistance may include reviewing the correspondence, identifying the questions that need to be addressed, and organizing the information relevant to the request.

The letter’s instructions and response date should be reviewed carefully rather than assuming that every CRA notice requires the same action.

Organizing Tax Records and Supporting Documents

Accurate records are important when explaining transactions or supporting amounts reported to the CRA.

Depending on the matter, relevant information may include:

CRA letters, notices of assessment, and reassessments.
Copies of the affected tax returns and schedules.
Receipts, invoices, bank records, and transaction details.
Accounting records or financial statements relevant to the issue.
Previous correspondence with the CRA.

Only documents relevant to the matter should be submitted, with sensitive information handled through an appropriate secure process.

How Our Process Works for CRA Tax Support

Share the CRA Notice

Explain the issue and provide the relevant correspondence through an agreed secure channel. Include the notice date, tax year, and stated response deadline.

Phase 01

02 Identification

Identify the Issue

Review the nature of the CRA request, what information is being questioned, and whether the matter concerns a review, audit, assessment, reassessment, or potential dispute.

Phase 02

03 Gather

Gather Relevant Records

Identify the supporting documents needed to understand the issue and address the CRA's questions. You may need to provide records or explanations that are not included in the original filing.

Phase 03

04 Analysis

Determine the Appropriate Response

Discuss the available next steps, the work required, and any applicable procedural requirements. If a formal objection or specialized representation is needed, confirm the appropriate scope before proceeding.

Phase 04

05 Prepare

Complete the Agreed Work and Review Next Steps

Where the engagement includes preparing a response, review the information for accuracy before submission. Keep copies of correspondence and submitted documents, and review any subsequent CRA communication promptly.

Phase 05

Have Questions About Your Tax Return? Discuss Your Situation →

Why SHAMI CPA

Why Choose Shami CPA for CRA Tax Support?

Experienced Accounting Perspective

Shami CPA’s stated 30+ years of experience in accounting and finance provides a foundation for understanding financial records and tax reporting issues. The relevance of that experience to a particular CRA matter will depend on the nature of the case.

Clear Explanations of Complex Issues

CRA correspondence can contain technical language and specific documentation requirements. A structured review can help you understand the issue being raised, what information matters, and which questions remain unresolved.

Support Based on Your Circumstances

A personal tax review, a business audit, and a reassessment involving a corporation may require different records and responses. The appropriate approach should be based on the actual notice and the taxpayer’s circumstances, rather than a standard response applied to every case.

Frequently Asked Questions About CRA Tax Support

Does contacting the CRA extend my objection deadline?

How much does CRA tax support cost?

Can the CRA cancel penalties or interest?

Can I dispute a CRA decision if I think it is wrong?

What is the difference between a CRA review and a CRA audit?

What documents should I provide for CRA tax support?

Can Shami CPA help if I disagree with a CRA reassessment?

Can an accountant help me respond to a CRA audit?

What should I do if I receive a letter from the CRA?

Does contacting the CRA extend my objection deadline?

No. Asking the CRA to explain a decision or discussing an adjustment does not, by itself, extend the deadline for filing a formal objection. Check the applicable deadline immediately and confirm the correct procedure for your specific matter.

How much does CRA tax support cost?

The cost depends on the type of CRA matter, the volume and complexity of the records, the work required, and whether the engagement involves a document review, response preparation, or a more involved dispute. Contact Shami CPA to discuss the scope of work and applicable fees before proceeding.

Can the CRA cancel penalties or interest?

The CRA’s taxpayer relief provisions allow requests for cancellation or waiver of certain penalties and interest in qualifying circumstances. Approval is not automatic. The relevant facts, supporting documents, applicable provisions, and type of amount involved affect whether relief may be available.

Can I dispute a CRA decision if I think it is wrong?

In many circumstances, taxpayers can formally object to an eligible assessment or determination. The correct procedure, grounds for the objection, and filing deadline depend on the decision and applicable rules. Review the CRA’s official objection guidance before deciding how to proceed.

What is the difference between a CRA review and a CRA audit?

A review generally involves checking specific information or claims on a return, while an audit is a more detailed examination of a taxpayer’s records and reporting. The exact scope varies by case, so follow the instructions in the CRA’s correspondence rather than relying on the label alone.

What documents should I provide for CRA tax support?

Start with the CRA letter or notice, the affected tax return, any relevant notice of assessment or reassessment, and previous correspondence. Depending on the issue, you may also need receipts, invoices, bank records, accounting reports, or other supporting documents.

Can Shami CPA help if I disagree with a CRA reassessment?

Shami CPA can discuss the reassessment and the underlying issue with you. Whether the firm can undertake a formal objection or related representation must be confirmed after reviewing the matter. If you disagree with an assessment, do not assume that discussions or requests for clarification extend the applicable objection deadline.

Can an accountant help me respond to a CRA audit?

An accountant may help you understand the audit request, organize supporting documents, and prepare explanations for the transactions under review. The work available depends on the accountant’s service scope, the complexity of the matter, and any representation requirements.

What should I do if I receive a letter from the CRA?

Read the letter carefully, identify the information requested, and note the response deadline. Gather the relevant tax records and previous correspondence before preparing a response. If you are unsure what the letter means, seek appropriate assistance promptly.

Have specific questions? Our CPA team assists with complex Canadian and U.S. filings.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR TAX SITUATION

Tell Us About Your Tax Return

Have a question about your Your CRA? Send us a few details and our team can help you determine the appropriate next step.

Received a Letter From the CRA?

Understand what the notice means before deciding how to respond. Contact Shami CPA to discuss your CRA correspondence, identify the information that may be needed, and determine whether the matter falls within the firm’s scope of service.

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