# Dealing with the CRA: letters, audits and payments

> Dealing with the CRA: what to do when a letter arrives, how a review differs from an audit, how My Account helps, and what to do if you can't pay

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 the letter, 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](https://tax-services.ca/checklists/documents-for-your-tax-return) 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. You can schedule a series of payments through your CRA account. Our article on [how to pay income tax you owe to the CRA](https://tax-services.ca/articles/pay-income-tax) lists the ways to pay. If you're self-employed, the [instalments calculator](https://tax-services.ca/calculators/income-tax/tax-installments) shows how to spread next year's payments, and the [tax calendar](https://tax-services.ca/tax-calendar) lists the due dates.

## What if you think the CRA got it wrong?

You can dispute an assessment. For a personal return, the CRA's [income tax objections page](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/complaints-disputes/file-objection-cppei-appeal-minister/income-tax-decision-tree.html) gives the deadline as the later of one year after the filing deadline for the return, or 90 days after the date on your notice of assessment or reassessment. Check the date on the notice itself and gather your supporting papers first.

## How do you spot a scam?

Treat any call, text or email that demands money immediately as suspect. The CRA says it doesn't threaten arrest or deportation and doesn't pressure you to pay on the spot with gift cards, cryptocurrency or prepaid cards, and its page on how to [recognize a scam](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud/recognize-scam.html) lists the rest. 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](https://tax-services.ca/articles/my-cra-canada) 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](https://tax-services.ca/guides/choose-a-tax-preparer) explains what to ask, and the [filing guide](https://tax-services.ca/guides/file-your-taxes) covers the basics.

## More about the CRA

Got a strange call, text or email? Read [how to spot a CRA scam](https://tax-services.ca/cra-scams).

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Source: https://tax-services.ca/guides/dealing-with-cra
Last updated: 2026-10-08
Independent information site. Not affiliated with the CRA. No services, no guarantee of accuracy. See https://tax-services.ca/disclaimer