A letter from the Canada Revenue Agency can ruin an afternoon. In most cases, though, it’s a request for information with a deadline — not an accusation.

First: is it real?

Scams impersonating the CRA are common. Genuine CRA correspondence will not:

  • Demand immediate payment by gift card, prepaid card or cryptocurrency
  • Threaten arrest
  • Ask for personal information by text message

If you’re unsure, log in to your CRA My Account or My Business Account. Most genuine correspondence also appears there.

What kind of letter is it?

Common types include:

  • Review or verification letters — requests for receipts or explanations for specific claims
  • Notice of assessment or reassessment — the result of a return being processed or changed
  • Balance owing or statement of account — what you owe, including interest
  • Instalment reminders — suggested payments for the year

The heading and the first paragraph usually tell you which one you have.

Find the date

Most letters that ask for something include a response date, often around 30 days. That date is the most important thing on the page. If you need more time, it’s usually better to ask than to miss it.

If you disagree with an assessment, there are formal timelines to object — generally 90 days from the date of the notice for most taxpayers. Don’t let that window pass while you decide.

Respond completely

A good response:

  • Answers exactly what was asked
  • Includes organized, labelled supporting documents
  • Is submitted through the channel the letter specifies

Incomplete responses often lead to follow-up requests — or to the claim being denied.

Protect your information

Don’t email your SIN, tax slips or CRA letters as ordinary attachments. Use a secure portal or the CRA’s own upload tools.

When to get help

If the letter involves a large amount, several years, or something you don’t understand, get help early. Someone who reads CRA letters regularly can usually tell you quickly what is being asked and what to gather.

This article is general information, not tax or legal advice for your specific situation.