Question 1

How do I set up CRA My Account?

Accepted Answer

Go to canada.ca/my-cra-account. You can register using: (1) a Sign-In Partner (online banking at most major Canadian banks — fastest method), or (2) a CRA user ID and password (you'll need to wait for a security code by mail). Once registered, My Account lets you view slips, track refunds, change your address, set up direct deposit, view RRSP/TFSA room, view benefit amounts, and more. It's free and available 24/7.

Question 2

What triggers a CRA audit?

Accepted Answer

Common audit triggers include: unusually high deductions relative to income, income that doesn't match slips reported by employers/payers, repeated losses in a business or rental, large charitable donations, vehicle or home office deductions, unreported foreign income, and random selection. The CRA uses sophisticated matching software to compare reported income against T4/T5/T3 slips issued in your name. Most "audits" are actually desk reviews — written requests for documentation — rather than full field audits.

Question 3

What should I do if I can't pay my tax bill?

Accepted Answer

Contact the CRA immediately at 1-888-863-8657. The CRA offers payment arrangements for people who cannot pay in full. Interest will continue to accrue at the prescribed rate + 4%, but a payment plan prevents collections action. The CRA can also reduce or waive penalties and interest in cases of financial hardship through the Taxpayer Relief provisions. Do not ignore a CRA debt — collection actions include garnishing wages, freezing bank accounts, and placing liens on property.

Question 4

What is CRA voluntary disclosure?

Accepted Answer

The CRA Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) allows taxpayers to correct past tax mistakes — unfiled returns, unreported income, foreign assets — before the CRA contacts them. If you qualify, the CRA will not pursue criminal prosecution, and may waive penalties and some interest. There are two streams: General (full relief for most situations) and Limited (income over $250,000 cases — penalties reduced but not eliminated). Apply before the CRA contacts you for that issue.

Question 5

What is a Notice of Assessment and what should I do with it?

Accepted Answer

A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the CRA's official response to your tax return, confirming your tax owing or refund, RRSP room, and TFSA room. You receive it after filing. Review it carefully: verify your refund or balance owing matches your return, check your RRSP deduction limit for next year, and confirm your TFSA room. If you disagree, you have 90 days from the NOA date to file a Notice of Objection.

Dealing with the CRA: My Account, Audits & Payments 2026

CRA My Account overview

CRA audit process

CRA articles

CRA My Account

Audits & disputes

Payments & collections

Understanding CRA correspondence

Browse All Dealing with the CRA: My Account, Audits & Payments 2026 Articles

C

H

T

U

W