Received a Letter from the CRA? What to Do Next 

A letter from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be unsettling, but most CRA letters are routine. Many simply ask for receipts or an explanation for something on your return. The key is to read it carefully, check that it’s genuine, and respond by the date it gives. 

The short answer: confirm the letter is really from the CRA, identify what type of letter it is, note the response deadline, gather exactly what’s requested, and reply using the method and reference number in the letter. If you can’t meet the deadline, call the number on the letter before the date passes. 

Step 1: Check that the letter is genuine 

Tax scams often imitate the CRA. The CRA lists warning signs of a scam, including a message that: 

• Demands immediate payment 

• Uses threatening language 

• Sends a link and asks you to click it 

• Asks for a payment to release or recover funds 

• Asks for personal or financial information 

• Asks for payment by cryptocurrency or gift cards 

How to check: 

• Sign in to CRA My Account (or My Business Account) yourself, not through a link in a message, and look for the same letter in your mail. 

• If you’re unsure, contact the CRA directly using the contact details on canada.ca, not the phone number in a suspicious message. 

If a message looks like a scam, don’t reply, click links or pay. 

Step 2: Work out what kind of letter it is 

The CRA runs several review programs for individuals, including pre-assessment reviews, processing reviews and matching programs. Most ask for supporting documents rather than suggesting wrongdoing. 

Step 3: Note the deadline and reference number 

Every CRA letter that asks for information gives a date to respond and a reference number (usually at the top right). Write both down. 

If you can’t meet the deadline, call the number at the bottom of the letter and ask for more time before the date passes. If you don’t respond, the CRA may adjust your return based on the information it has. 

Step 4: Gather exactly what’s requested 

• Read the list of documents carefully. 

• Send copies, not originals. 

• Include only what’s relevant. Sending extra paperwork can slow things down. 

• If a receipt is missing, the CRA says to include a written explanation. 

Step 5: Send your response 

According to the CRA, you can: 

• Upload documents through CRA My Account (individuals) or My Business Account 

• Have your authorised representative upload documents through Represent a Client 

• Mail documents to the address in the letter 

Always include the reference number, and keep a copy of everything you send. 

Step 6: Watch for the result 

After the CRA reviews your response, it will either accept your claim or send a notice of reassessment explaining any changes. If you disagree with a reassessment, formal options and time limits apply. See our guide to notices of reassessment. 

When is it worth getting help? 

You can respond to many routine letters yourself. Consider professional help if: 

• You don’t understand what the CRA is asking for 

• The letter concerns a business, payroll or GST/HST account 

• The amounts involved are significant 

• You’ve received an audit letter 

• Records are missing or incomplete 

• The deadline is close and you need more time 

An accountant can act as your authorised representative, communicate with the CRA for you and help organise documents. 

Common mistakes to avoid 

• Ignoring the letter. Missed deadlines can lead to adjustments. 

• Sending everything. Send what’s asked for, organised and labelled. 

• Missing the reference number. It links your documents to your file. 

• Paying an unverified demand. Always check the letter in My Account first. 

Frequently asked questions 

How do I know if a CRA letter is real? 
Check for the same letter in CRA My Account, and contact the CRA directly using details on canada.ca if you’re unsure. Be wary of demands for immediate payment, threats, links or requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency. 

What happens if I don’t respond to a CRA letter? 
The CRA may adjust your return based on the information it has, which could mean a reassessment and a balance owing. 

Can I ask the CRA for more time? 
Yes. Call the number at the bottom of the letter before the deadline to request an extension. 

Does a CRA review mean I’m being audited? 
Not necessarily. Many reviews simply ask for receipts to support a claim. An audit is a more detailed examination and usually comes with a different letter. 

Can my accountant deal with the CRA for me? 
Yes, once you authorise them as your representative. 

Talk to CPAMG about your CRA letter 

If you’ve received a CRA letter and want help understanding it or preparing a response, CPAMG can review it with you. Learn about our CRA audit and letter help, or contact us with a copy of the letter. 

This article provides general information, verified 11 October 2026. It is not tax or legal advice. Always follow the instructions in your CRA letter. 

C. Tax accuracy and source notes 

Tax year: not year-specific. 

D. Internal links 

E. External references 

Recommended in-body links: the CRA fraud and scams page (Step 1) and the CRA “Responding to us” page (Step 5). 

F. FAQs 

Included (5). 

G. Image and visual brief 

Do not reproduce real CRA letters or logos. 

H. Social distribution 

Caption: Got a letter from the CRA? Don’t panic, and don’t ignore it. Six calm steps: check it’s genuine, identify the type, note the deadline and respond properly. [link] 

LinkedIn angle: Most CRA letters are routine requests for documents. How business owners can respond quickly and correctly. 

Repurposing: Google Business Profile post; FAQ snippet for the CRA service page. 

I. Publication checklist