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A letter from the CRA looks serious, but most of them are routine. Work through it in this order: check that it is real, find out what type of letter it is, note the deadline, then reply with the documents it asks for. Replying within the time frame stated in the letter matters most, because a missed date can cost you.
What are the first steps?
- Check that it is real. Do not use phone numbers or links in a message you did not expect. Sign in to your own CRA account and see if the same letter is there. See how to spot a CRA scam.
- Find the type. The heading tells you if it is an assessment, a reassessment, a request for documents or a balance owing. Our CRA letters decoder explains each.
- Find the deadline. Letters that ask for documents usually give a date, and missing it can cost you.
- Gather what they ask for. Send it through your CRA account if you can, and keep copies.
How do you reply to a CRA review letter?
The CRA asks you to reply within the time frame in the letter, to the address shown on it, and to put the reference number from the upper right corner on everything you send. Include the receipts and documents the letter lists. If your return was selected for review, you or your authorized representative can upload scanned documents through your CRA account. If you do not have a receipt, send a written explanation, or call the number at the bottom of the letter. If you need more time, call that same number before the date passes.
What if you disagree?
For most individuals you have 90 days from the date on the notice to object, or one year after the filing due date, whichever is later. For most people the filing due date is April 30, or June 15 if you were self-employed. You have to wait until you receive the notice before you object. If you miss the deadline, you can apply for an extension of up to a year after the objection deadline. Check your letter, because rules differ for some cases.
If a slip or deduction was missing, the CRA says waiting for a return adjustment may be faster than an objection. If the CRA changed your claim after a review and you have more information, it will accept new documents and look at the claim again. Our page on fixing a mistake on your return covers the adjustment route, and the article on the notice of reassessment explains what that notice means.
How can you tell a real CRA letter from a scam?
The Government of Canada lists these warning signs of a scam: a demand for immediate payment, threatening language, a link you are asked to click, a request for payment by cryptocurrency or gift cards, or a request for personal or financial information. You can report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726.
Who can help?
For a complicated case, a licensed professional can help, and our guide to choosing a tax preparer covers what to check. The guide to dealing with the CRA covers the rest.
Where does this information come from?
The steps follow Canada Revenue Agency guidance, including its pages on responding to a review and on income tax objections, and the Government of Canada’s scam warning page. We do not represent the CRA and cannot answer questions about your file. Checked in October 2026. This is an independent information site: we provide no services, we do not represent the CRA or any organization, and we do not guarantee that anything here is accurate or current. We accept no liability for decisions based on it. Check the official source before you rely on it. See the full disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I get a letter from the CRA?
Check that it is real by signing in to your own CRA account and looking for the same letter there. Then read the heading to find the type, note any deadline, and gather the documents it asks for. Keep copies of everything you send.
How long do I have to respond to a CRA letter?
Use the time frame stated in the letter, because it differs by type. The CRA asks you to reply to the address on the letter and quote the reference number from the upper right corner. If you need more time, call the number at the bottom of the letter.
How long do I have to object to a CRA notice of assessment?
For most individuals it is 90 days from the date on the notice, or one year after the filing due date, whichever is later. If you miss it, you can apply for an extension of up to a year after the deadline. Check your own notice.
What if I do not have the receipt the CRA asked for?
The CRA says to include a written explanation, or call the number at the bottom of the letter to explain. If you find the document later, the CRA will accept new information and review the claim again for a possible adjustment.
How do I know a message from the CRA is not a scam?
Warning signs include a demand for immediate payment, threats, a link to click, payment by cryptocurrency or gift cards, or a request for personal information. Do not use the contact details in the message. Sign in to your own CRA account instead.