Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) letter explained in English
Federal tax office. Handles income tax and pays many benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit. It also collects some government debts.
Letters you may get
- Notice of assessment — the result of your tax return: what you owe or get back
- Notice of reassessment — they changed your return, for example after a review
- Review letter — they want receipts or documents to check something you claimed
- Statement of account or legal warning — you still owe money
What to do
- Scammers often pretend to be the CRA. The real CRA never asks for gift cards, prepaid cards or crypto, and never threatens arrest. If you’re unsure, check My Account or call the number on canada.ca.
- File a tax return every year, even with no income. Many benefits, like the CCB and the GST/HST credit, depend on it.
- Find the deadline. Look for “deadline”, “pay by”, “due date”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“notice of objection”, “request for reconsideration”, “appeal”, “objection”, “review”, “dispute”). See the template.
Words you may see
- notice of assessment
- The CRA’s answer after it processes your tax return. It shows your income, your tax, and whether you owe money or get a refund.
- notice of reassessment
- A new tax notice after the CRA changed your return — because you asked, or after a review. It replaces the earlier notice.
- My Account
- The CRA’s secure online service. You can see your notices, your balance and your benefit payments, and send documents.
- legal warning
- A last warning from the CRA before it takes legal action to collect a debt, for example by garnishing your wages or bank account.
- CCB
- Canada Child Benefit. A tax-free monthly payment for families with children under 18.
- GST/HST credit
- A tax-free payment every three months for people with low or modest income. You get it by filing your tax return.
Questions
What is the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)?
Federal tax office. Handles income tax and pays many benefits, like the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit. It also collects some government debts.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “deadline”, “pay by”, “due date”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In Canada, many deadlines count from the date printed on the letter, not from the day it arrives — for example, the 90 days to object to a tax notice. Mail can take several days, so check the date on the letter and act early. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“notice of objection”, “request for reconsideration”, “appeal”, “objection”, “review”, “dispute”).
Can I read a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Service Canada · Provincial health plan (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP …) · Ministry of Finance / Revenue (your province) · ServiceOntario / ICBC / registry office · City or town — property tax department · City bylaw enforcement / parking · Police service / Provincial Offences Court