Professional CorporationShort answer
If you receive a CRA review letter or audit request, first identify exactly what CRA is asking for, note the response deadline, and organize the supporting documents before sending anything.
OSA CPA helps clients understand the request, prepare a clear response package, and keep communication with CRA organized and professional.
What this service is for
CRA may contact taxpayers to review information reported on a personal tax return, corporate tax return, GST/HST filing, payroll account, or other tax account. Sometimes the request is narrow; sometimes it is more detailed and requires careful document organization.
OSA CPA provides practical support for individuals, self-employed clients, and small business owners who need help understanding and responding to CRA requests.
Common CRA requests may involve:
- Receipts and invoices supporting deductions or expenses
- Business income and expense records
- GST/HST sales records and input tax credit support
- Corporate tax and shareholder-related information
- Payroll, source deduction, or T4/T5-related questions
- Rental property records, medical expenses, tuition, or employment expenses
How OSA CPA can help
The goal is to make the response clear, complete, and easier to review. Support may include:
- Reviewing the CRA letter and identifying the issue, tax year, account, and deadline
- Creating a document checklist based on CRA’s request
- Organizing receipts, schedules, statements, and explanations
- Preparing a clear response package or summary
- Helping with follow-up communication and recordkeeping
- Explaining practical next steps if documents are missing or the deadline is tight
Recommended first steps after receiving a CRA letter
Support for individuals
For individuals, CRA reviews may involve credits, deductions, employment expenses, medical expenses, tuition, moving expenses, rental income, investment slips, or other tax return items. OSA CPA can help review what CRA is asking for and organize a practical response.
Support for businesses and incorporated owners
For businesses, CRA may ask for sales records, expense support, bank statements, GST/HST support, payroll records, shareholder or owner payment records, or corporate tax information. OSA CPA can help prepare documentation and explanations in a structured way.
Detailed questions about preparing a CRA response
These are intentionally more specific than the homepage FAQ, which already covers general questions about OSA CPA and CRA help.
What information should I check first in the CRA letter?
Check the tax year, account number, response deadline, requested documents, upload or mailing instructions, and whether CRA is reviewing one specific item or several areas.
What documents should I organize before responding?
Start with the exact documents CRA requested. Depending on the issue, this may include receipts, invoices, bank statements, sales records, payroll records, GST/HST support, rental records, or explanations for specific tax return items.
Should I upload every file I have?
Usually, it is better to provide a clear and organized response that matches CRA’s request. Sending scattered or unrelated files can make the review harder to follow.
What if some records are missing?
Missing records should be handled carefully. Depending on the facts, the response may need a clear explanation, alternative support, or a request for additional time. The best approach depends on the CRA request and available information.
Can OSA CPA help after the first response is submitted?
Yes. If CRA asks follow-up questions or requests more support, OSA CPA can help review the new request, organize additional information, and keep the response process documented.
Important notice
Information on this page is general information only. CRA matters depend on the facts, records, deadlines, and communication history of each case. This page does not guarantee any outcome.