CRA Audit Defence

Facing a CRA audit? Get an organized, defensible response.

CPA support for businesses dealing with CRA audits, reassessments, document requests, shareholder benefit reviews, payroll reviews, or unexplained deposits — calmly handled, properly documented.

Book a CRA Audit Strategy Call

Confidential, no-obligation consultation. CPA-led, Canada-wide and in Mississauga.

Overview

When CRA starts asking questions

A CRA audit letter rarely arrives at a convenient time, and the language can feel formal and alarming. The first goal is simple: understand exactly what CRA is asking for, why, and by when — then respond in an organized, factual way. We help you read the request clearly, identify what is actually at stake, and avoid the common mistakes that turn a manageable review into a larger problem.

Common situations we help with

If any of these sound like your situation, you are in the right place:

  • A CRA audit or review letter has arrived
  • CRA is requesting bank statements, invoices, receipts, ledgers, or POS reports
  • A corporate (T2) or payroll audit is underway
  • An HST/GST audit is connected to your business records
  • A shareholder loan or shareholder benefit is being questioned
  • CRA is asking about unexplained or large bank deposits
  • CRA has proposed a reassessment, or penalties and interest may apply
  • You are simply unsure how to respond — and do not want to make it worse

What working with us gives you

We bring structure to a stressful situation so you are never guessing. In practical terms, that means:

  • A clear read of what CRA is actually asking for, in plain language
  • Your records located, reconstructed where needed, and organized
  • Clear written explanations and supporting schedules for your filings
  • A measured, factual response — never defensive, never evasive
  • Plain-language updates so you understand the issue at every stage

Our approach

How we work a CRA audit

A clear path from the first letter to a prepared, organized response.

  1. Understand the issue

    We review the CRA letter, your business background, tax history, records, and the deadline you are working with.

    You know exactly what CRA wants
  2. Assess the risk

    We identify the likely exposure, the documentation gaps, what CRA is most concerned about, and your practical options.

    You see the real exposure
  3. Organize the response

    We prepare records, reconciliations, schedules, and written explanations, and shape a measured response strategy.

    You have a defensible file
  4. Support the next steps

    We help you respond to CRA, follow up on requests, and coordinate with legal counsel where the matter calls for it.

    You're supported to the finish

Every CRA matter is easier to face with an organized, defensible response behind it.

Book a CRA Audit Strategy Call

What to expect

What to expect

Every audit is different, but most follow a predictable path. Knowing the shape of it makes the process far less stressful.

  • CRA opens with a letter setting out what it wants and a response deadline.
  • Audits commonly run from several weeks to several months, depending on scope.
  • If CRA reassesses, there is generally a 90-day window to file a Notice of Objection — we help you understand and meet deadlines.
  • You receive plain-language updates at each stage, so there are no surprises.

Be prepared

What CRA may request

So you know what to gather — and we help you locate, reconstruct, and present it.

Banking & deposits

  • Bank statements and deposit records
  • Explanations for large or unusual deposits

Sales

  • Sales invoices
  • POS or daily sales reports

Expenses

  • Purchase invoices and expense receipts
  • General ledger and trial balance

Payroll & subcontractors

  • Payroll records and source-deduction filings
  • Subcontractor invoices and contracts (T5018 where applicable)

Shareholder

  • Shareholder loan and owner-withdrawal records

HST/GST

  • HST/GST working papers and input-tax-credit support

Scope

Working with tax lawyers when needed

Some matters involve legal questions, potential penalties, or disputes that call for legal advice or representation. We do not provide legal services; where appropriate, we coordinate with qualified tax lawyers and support the file from the accounting and documentation side, so the legal and CPA work reinforce each other.

Before you call

Common questions

Should I respond to CRA before talking to you?

If a deadline is close, note it and don't ignore it — but it's usually best to understand what's being asked before responding. A rushed or incomplete reply can create more questions. We can help you respond properly, often within the original timeline.

Will getting help make CRA think I did something wrong?

No. Organized, well-documented responses are completely normal and expected. Bringing in a CPA signals that you are taking the request seriously and responding properly — which is exactly what CRA wants.

Do I need a tax lawyer?

Most CRA audit matters are CPA-led. Where a matter involves legal advice, potential penalties, or a dispute that needs legal representation, we coordinate with qualified tax lawyers and support the file from the accounting side.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Reaching out is confidential, nothing is filed with CRA from an inquiry, and your details stay between you and our team.

What happens on the first call?

A short, no-obligation conversation to understand the issue, the deadline, and your options. There's no commitment to proceed.

You're not in my city — can you still help?

Yes. We work with owner-managed businesses across Canada, with a presence in Mississauga and the GTA. CRA matters are handled effectively by phone, email, and secure document sharing.

What if I've lost some records?

That's common, and it's manageable. Part of our work is helping reconstruct and reconcile records from the information that is available, and explaining gaps clearly and credibly.

Why owners trust us

Calm, credentialed, confidential.

  • Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
  • CPA Ontario · CPA Canada
  • Audit-defence & tax-controversy focus
  • Owner-managed businesses, Canada-wide

Everything you share is treated as confidential — nothing is filed with CRA from an inquiry, and your details stay with our team.

We provide CPA advisory and documentation support, and coordinate with qualified tax lawyers when a matter calls for legal advice.

Area served: Serving clients across Canada · Mississauga, ON & the GTA

Facing a CRA audit? Let's get organized.

Start with a confidential consultation. We will help you understand the audit, what CRA may be looking for, and the practical next steps available to you.

Everything you share is confidential. No obligation. Replies within one business day.

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