Tax Problems & CRA Disputes

CRA Tax Problems: Find Yours, Then the Next Step

Nobody's favourite mail is a brown envelope from Sudbury or Shawinigan. The good news, if you can call it that, is that tax problems are among the most predictable problems in life: they come with written rules, written deadlines and written rights. Find yours below.

“CRA changed my return and I disagree.”

That's a reassessment. You can object within the later of one year after your filing due date or 90 days after the notice (90 days for GST/HST). Read what to do after a CRA reassessment, check the date with the objection deadline calculator, and file the objection properly.

“CRA wants receipts or documents.”

A review letter or request for information. Send exactly what's asked, by the date in the letter, through Submit documents in My Account. Missing the date usually means the claim is denied. Our CRA guide explains each letter type.

“I'm being audited.”

A deeper look, usually at a business, a rental or large claims. Organize your records before the first meeting, answer what's asked and nothing more, and seriously consider a CPA who handles audits.

“I owe CRA money and can't pay it all.”

Call and propose a payment arrangement before collection action starts (see paying CRA late). Interest keeps running daily, so pay what you can now. If the balance comes from a reassessment you think is wrong, object as well: for income tax, CRA generally holds off collecting the disputed amount while the objection is open.

“CRA took money from my bank account” or “my employer got a letter from CRA.”

That's collection action, usually a requirement to pay. It can happen without a court order. Call the collections number on the letter today; the sooner you call, the more options you have.

“I haven't filed for years.”

The full catch-up plan is in how to file years of unfiled taxes. File the missing returns, oldest first, as soon as you can. If you're owed refunds or benefits, CRA generally only refunds the last ten years, so every year you wait can cost money. If CRA hasn't contacted you yet and you owe tax on unreported income, the Voluntary Disclosures Program may reduce penalties. Get professional advice before applying.

“My refund is late, or smaller than expected.”

Start with where is my CRA tax refund to check the status, and why a refund gets reduced if the amount is wrong. CRA can keep a refund to pay a tax debt, and in some cases certain other government debts such as overpaid benefits or a student loan. Your notice of assessment shows what happened. If something looks wrong, the tax document analyzer reads the notice for you.

“The penalties and interest are bigger than the tax.”

Taxpayer relief (form RC4288) can cancel or reduce penalties and interest for circumstances beyond your control, CRA delays or errors, or genuine inability to pay, generally for the last ten calendar years.

“I should have registered for GST/HST.”

CRA can assess the tax you should have charged since the day you crossed $30,000, plus interest. Register with the correct effective date and fix it before CRA finds it. See the $30,000 GST/HST small supplier rule.

“Someone is calling, saying they're CRA.”

CRA doesn't ask for gift cards, prepaid cards or crypto, doesn't threaten arrest, and doesn't send refunds by text. Hang up, log in to My Account, or call CRA at the number on canada.ca.

Five Rules for Any Tax Problem

1. Open the envelope. Unopened letters don't expire; their deadlines do.
2. Write the deadline down before you do anything else.
3. Answer in writing, and keep a copy of everything with the date you sent it.
4. Pay what you agree with to stop interest on that part.
5. Know when to hand it off. Big amounts, audits, collections and anything involving penalties for gross negligence belong with a professional. See find the right tax help.

Tax Problem Questions

Sources: CRA, P148 Resolving your dispute; RC4288 Taxpayer Relief; RC199 Voluntary Disclosures Program; How returns are selected for review. Checked October 2026.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.