CRA Audits in Canada
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
An audit is the CRA exercising its powers under sections 231.1 and 231.2 of the Income Tax Act to review your records and confirm you reported income and deductions correctly. It is not, by itself, an accusation — though most people receive an audit letter as if it were one.
The Taxpayer Bill of Rights attaches 16 specific rights to the process: fair and professional treatment, complete and accurate information, and (Right #15) the right to be represented by someone you choose. Those rights are how the agency is supposed to behave; if it doesn't, you have a complaint route.
An audit is not a criminal investigation. The auditor is checking the math and the records. You are required by section 230 to keep your tax records for at least 6 years from the end of the tax year — and audits typically reach back across that window.
If you disagree with the auditor's conclusions, the system has built-in escalation. Ask for a meeting with the auditor's team leader; if the CRA issues a reassessment you still disagree with, file a Notice of Objection.
When does it apply?
Applies to every individual and business taxpayer in Canada.
- Files are picked through risk algorithms, random selection, industry sweeps, or third-party tips.
- Being audited isn't, by itself, a sign that something is wrong.
What to Do If the CRA Is Auditing You in Canada
Read the letter carefully — the scope is what matters most.
- Read the audit notification for the exact tax years and items in scope. Don't volunteer more.
- Pull together your records ahead of the deadline: receipts, bank statements, invoices, contracts.
- For anything more than a small adjustment, retain a tax professional or representative — authorise them with Form T1013.
- Stay inside the deadlines in the audit letter.
- Disagree? Put it in writing — typically within 30 days.
- If the front-line auditor won't move, ask for the team leader.
- If the reassessment lands wrong, file a Notice of Objection inside 90 days.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't ignore the letter. CRA will reassess on its own assumptions and you'll be playing catch-up.
- Don't destroy or hide records. That's a serious offence under the Act and ends the cooperation defence immediately.
- Don't send documents by regular email. Use My Account, registered mail, or another secure channel.
- Don't waive solicitor-client privilege without thinking — once it's gone, it's gone.
- Don't assume the auditor is right. Auditors make math and law errors all the time, and the objection process exists for that reason.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your province — you'll see how provincial law differs from Canadian federal law.
6 provinces available
Common Questions
When does cra audits apply?
Applies to every individual and business taxpayer in Canada.Files are picked through risk algorithms, random selection, industry sweeps, or third-party tips.Being audited isn't, by itself, a sign that something is wrong.
What should I do if the Canada Revenue Agency is auditing my tax return?
Read the letter carefully — the scope is what matters most.Read the audit notification for the exact tax years and items in scope. Don't volunteer more.Pull together your records ahead of the deadline: receipts, bank statements, invoices, contracts.For anything more than a small adjustment, retain a tax professional or representative — authorise them with Form T1013.Stay inside the deadlines in the audit letter.Disagree? Put it in writing — typically within 30 days.If the front-line auditor won't move, ask for the team leader.If the reassessment lands wrong, file a Notice of Objection inside 9...
What mistakes should I avoid with cra audits?
Don't ignore the letter. CRA will reassess on its own assumptions and you'll be playing catch-up.Don't destroy or hide records. That's a serious offence under the Act and ends the cooperation defence immediately.Don't send documents by regular email. Use My Account, registered mail, or another secure channel.Don't waive solicitor-client privilege without thinking — once it's gone, it's gone.Don't assume the auditor is right. Auditors make math and law errors all the time, and the objection process exists for that reason.
CRA Audits in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.