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When the CRA writes to you, read the letter before you panic. Most ask for a document or explain a change to your return, and there's usually a deadline to reply. My Account shows what the CRA has on file for you.
A letter from the CRA is rarely as bad as it looks. Most ask for a document, correct a figure, or confirm something on your return, and what matters is that you read it, find the deadline, and answer on time, because a late reply is what turns a small question into a bigger one.
What should you do when a letter arrives?
Read the whole thing before you react. Note what the CRA wants, and by when. Gather the documents it names, make copies, and reply by the method the letter gives. If you don’t understand it, ask the CRA or a preparer before the deadline, not after.
Is it a review, or an audit?
A review is usually a request for proof of one claim, like a receipt for a donation or child care. An audit looks at your records more broadly and can reach back several years. Keep your receipts and slips together, and you’ll find both easier. The documents checklist shows what to keep.
What if you owe more than you can pay?
Don’t ignore it.
Interest builds on a balance, so contact the CRA early and ask about a payment arrangement. Our article on how to pay income tax you owe to the CRA lists the ways to pay. If you’re self-employed, the instalments calculator shows how to spread next year’s payments, and the tax calendar lists the due dates.
How do you spot a scam?
Treat any call, text or email that demands money immediately as suspect. Don’t click a link in the message. Log in to your CRA My Account the usual way and see if the same notice is there. If it isn’t, you’ve learned something. Our article on what you can do in your CRA account shows what to look for.
When is help worth it?
If a review is complicated or the amounts are large, a preparer or accountant can answer for you. Our guide on how to choose a tax preparer explains what to ask, and the filing guide covers the basics.
More about the CRA
- Dealing with the CRA if you live in Mississauga
Near Mississauga and need the CRA? Here is what we could confirm about the local office, phone lines, My Account, mail and free tax help
- Canada Revenue Agency Edmonton: Office and Phone Help
Need the Canada Revenue Agency in Edmonton? The office at 9700 Jasper Avenue has no walk-in counter, so see the phone lines and hours
- How Corporate Tax Works for a Canadian Company
A corporate tax bill of $35,088 on $300,000 of profit in Ontario, with 2026 federal and provincial rates, T2 filing dates and payment rules
- CRA in Vancouver: Where to Go and What Works
The CRA has no walk-in counter in Vancouver. See how to reach the agency by phone, mail or online, and what a BC return costs you at $75,000
- Canada Revenue Agency in Winnipeg: Where to Go
Need the Canada Revenue Agency in Winnipeg? Get the phone lines, the mail rule and Manitoba's 10.8% starting rate, plus what we could not confirm
- Tax Evasion in Canada: What the Law Says
Is tax evasion the same as avoidance? Official penalty figures, a $5,000 RRSP deduction that saves $1,482.50 in Ontario, and what to do about old errors
- Canada Revenue Agency Tax Return: What to Know
Your Canada return covers income, deductions and credits. See the 2025 due dates, late penalties and a worked $85,000 Ontario example
- CRA Payroll Deductions Explained for 2026
With CRA payroll deductions, tax, CPP and EI come off every pay. See the 2026 rates, the employer share, due dates and a worked example
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I get a CRA letter?
Read it fully, note the deadline, and see what it asks for. Many letters want a document, not a payment. Reply before the date on the letter.
What is the difference between a review and an audit?
A review usually asks you to send proof for a claim, such as receipts. An audit is a closer look at your records and can cover more years and more items.
What if I can't pay what I owe?
Contact the CRA before the due date. Interest keeps building on a balance, so paying what you can as soon as you can lowers the cost.
How do I know a message is really from the CRA?
Don't trust a call, text or email that demands money right away. Log in to My Account yourself, without clicking a link in the message, and see if the same notice is there.
Information only. This page is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Tax-Services.ca is an independent publisher: we don't prepare or file tax returns or offer tax services, and we have no connection with the CRA, Revenu Québec, any government or any company named on this page. Check the figures that matter with an official source or a qualified professional.