How to Respond to a CRA Review or Reassessment Letter?

Stay updated with current accounting standards, business compliance, tax preparation tips, and latest news.

16 Apr 2025

Got a letter from the CRA and your heart sank a little? You're not alone. Whether it’s a CRA review letter, a benefit review, or a reassessment notice, these things can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what they mean or how to respond. The CRA routinely checks tax returns to make sure everything lines up. But if you’re not sure what they’re asking for, don’t have all your documents handy, or feel like they’ve made a mistake, it can get stressful quickly. Let’s walk through exactly how to respond to a CRA review letter or reassessment notice, what you can expect, and how to handle the situation confidently without losing sleep over it.

Why Did You Get a CRA Review or Reassessment Letter?

First things first: getting a review doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. The CRA has systems, some automated, some manual that flag returns for a closer look. It might be because your return shows:

A big jump in deductions or credits
A claim that’s outside your usual pattern (like new tuition or medical expenses)
Info that doesn’t match what your employer or a third party reported
Or it could simply be random

In some cases, it’s not even a tax issue. You might have received a GST/HSTC notice or a letter reviewing a benefit like the Canada Child Benefit. There’s a big difference between a review and an audit, though. Reviews are usually simpler, they’re just asking for proof of something you claimed.

What Kind of CRA Letter Did You Receive?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Express NOA: This is your initial tax result. It summarizes your tax return as assessed by the CRA.
CRA Review Letter: A request for supporting documents. For example, if you claim a medical expense, they may ask for receipts and prescriptions.
Benefit Review Letter: These check eligibility for government benefits. If you got a GST/HSTC notice, it could be asking for proof of income or residency.
Reassessment Notice: This comes after a review if the CRA makes changes to your return, like reducing a deduction or increasing your taxable income.

Tip: Always double-check that the letter is legitimate. The CRA will never ask you to send personal info by text or ask for payment via gift cards or crypto.

Step-by-Step: How to Respond to a CRA Review Letter or Reassessment Notice

1. Read the Letter Carefully

Look at:

What tax year does it refer to
What specific documents or explanations are they asking for
The deadline for response (usually 30 days)

Don't ignore it. Missing the deadline could lead to your claim being denied or, worse, a reassessment that increases your tax owing.

2. Gather Your Documents

Now it’s time to pull together exactly what the CRA asked for; nothing more, nothing less. For example:

They’re asking about medical expenses, include receipts, prescriptions, and proof of payment.
It’s a tuition credit, send the official T2202 slip.
It's about your GST/HSTC notice, they might want a lease agreement, utility bills, or proof of residency.

Pro tip: Make copies. Don’t send originals.

3. Respond Before the Deadline

Don’t wait until the last minute. It’s better to respond early, even if that means telling the CRA you're still waiting on a missing document. If you genuinely need more time, you can contact them and request an extension but don’t assume you’ll get it.

4. Submit Online (It’s the Fastest Way)

You can respond through CRA’s secure portals:

My Account (for individuals)
Represent a Client (for your accountant)

Make sure your documents are clearly labeled and in common formats like PDF or JPEG. Always keep confirmation of your submission.

5. Wait and Watch

After submitting, it might take a few weeks to hear back which can be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks typically. Don’t panic if you don’t hear anything right away. If you get a Notice of Reassessment after the review, that means the CRA made changes to your return.

What If You Disagree with the Reassessment?

If you received a reassessment and believe the CRA made a mistake, you have the right to challenge it. Here's how:

Compare the reassessment with your original return. Look at which lines changed and why.
If it still doesn’t make sense or you disagree with their changes, you can file a Notice of Objection.
You have 90 days from the reassessment date to file.

This is where professional help can save you a lot of time and stress. A corporate tax accountant like our team at CJCPA can help you review the details, build your case, and communicate with the CRA on your behalf.

When Should You Ask for Help?

Sometimes, it’s simple enough to handle on your own, but if you’re not sure, don’t guess. Reach out for professional support if you're:

Missing some of the documents CRA requested
Not sure how to explain or organize your response
Already received a reassessment and want to object
Dealing with multiple years or a complex issue

At CJCPA, we handle these kinds of cases every day. We know how to speak the CRA’s language and how to keep things on track.

FAQs

Q: Is a CRA review letter an audit?

A: No. A review is a routine check of specific items on your return. An audit is more detailed and often covers multiple years and deeper documentation.

Q: How do I respond to a CRA reassessment?

A: Review the changes. If you agree, no action is needed. If you don’t, file a Notice of Objection within 90 days preferably with the help from a tax professional.

Q: How long does a CRA review take?

A: Typically 2 to 6 weeks. It depends on the time of year and how complex your return is.

Q: What if I don’t have the documents they asked for?

A: Explain your situation in your response. In some cases, alternative documents (like bank statements) may be accepted.

Q: Can I respond to a CRA review letter online?

A: Yes, and it's recommended. Use My Account or Represent a Client to securely upload documents.

Final Thoughts

Getting a CRA letter can rattle anyone. But it doesn’t have to derail your week or your finances. The key is acting quickly, staying organized, and asking for help when you need it. If you’ve received a CRA review letter or reassessment and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t wait. Contact CJCPA. Our experienced tax team is here to help you respond the right way and keep your tax situation under control.

How to Respond to a CRA Review or Reassessment Letter?

Why Did You Get a CRA Review or Reassessment Letter?

What Kind of CRA Letter Did You Receive?