As a taxpayer, receiving a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be a stressful experience, especially if the assessment results in a significant tax liability. However, taxpayers have the right to challenge the CRA’s audit assessments if they believe the assessment is incorrect or unfair. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps taxpayers can take to challenge a CRA audit assessment.

Step 1: Review the Notice of Assessment

The first step in challenging a CRA audit assessment is to carefully review the notice of assessment received from the CRA. The notice of assessment will provide detailed information about the amount of taxes owing, as well as any penalties or interest that have been assessed. Reviewing the notice of assessment will help taxpayers understand the basis for the CRA’s assessment and identify any errors or discrepancies.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Once the notice of assessment has been reviewed, taxpayers should gather all relevant documents and evidence to support their challenge. This may include receipts, invoices, bank statements, and any other relevant financial documents. Taxpayers should also gather any correspondence with the CRA regarding the assessment.

Step 3: Contact the CRA

If taxpayers believe that the CRA has made an error in the assessment, they should contact the CRA as soon as possible. The CRA has a dedicated Appeals division that is responsible for handling disputes between taxpayers and the CRA. Taxpayers can contact the Appeals division by phone or in writing.

Step 4: File a Notice of Objection

If the dispute cannot be resolved through communication with the Appeals division, taxpayers can file a Notice of Objection with the CRA. The Notice of Objection is a formal document that outlines the taxpayer’s disagreement with the CRA’s assessment and the reasons for the disagreement. The Notice of Objection must be filed within 90 days of the date of the notice of assessment.

Step 5: Participate in the Appeals Process

Once the Notice of Objection has been filed, taxpayers can participate in the Appeals process. The Appeals division will review the taxpayer’s objection and any supporting documentation, and will either confirm the original assessment or issue a new assessment. If the taxpayer is still not satisfied with the outcome of the Appeals process, they can pursue the matter in the Tax Court of Canada.

Conclusion

Challenging a CRA audit assessment can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is important for taxpayers to understand their rights and take action if they believe that the assessment is incorrect or unfair. By carefully reviewing the notice of assessment, gathering evidence, contacting the CRA, filing a Notice of Objection, and participating in the Appeals process, taxpayers can increase their chances of success in challenging a CRA audit assessment. If you need assistance with your CRA audit assessment, contact a qualified tax professional for guidance.