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What to do when you get a CRA letter
How to find the deadline, understand the request and prepare before you respond.
1. Take a breath
Most CRA letters are routine: a request for receipts, a small adjustment or a reminder. A letter doesn't mean you're in trouble.
2. Find the key details
Look for these on the first page:
- The deadline to respond
- The tax year it refers to
- What they are asking for
- A reference or case number
3. Check that it's real
The CRA won't ask for payment by gift card or crypto, or threaten arrest. If in doubt, check your CRA My Account or call the CRA directly using the number on canada.ca.
4. Get help early
Contact us as soon as you can so there's time to gather what's needed and plan your response.
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Contact us to talk it through.