After-Tax Guide
Thank you for choosing us to file your taxes! We hope your experience was smooth and stress-free. Your satisfaction is our top priority—if you encountered any difficulties or have any remaining questions, please let us know immediately.
Now that your return has been submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), here is your essential guide on what to expect next and how to stay compliant.
1. The Notice of Assessment (NOA)
The Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the official statement from the CRA confirming they have processed your return.
Delivery: Depending on the preference selected during filing, you will receive it via physical mail or as an email notification (if registered for CRA My Account).
Digital Access: If you have a CRA My Account, you can download your NOA directly from the portal at any time.
Important: Please save a digital or physical copy of your NOA immediately. Note: If you require our assistance to retrieve a copy of your NOA at a later date, additional service charges will apply.
2. Record Keeping (The 6-Year Rule)
Under CRA regulations, you must keep all supporting documents, receipts, and tax records for six years from the end of the tax year they relate to. The CRA can request these documents at any time to verify your claims.
Example: Keep your 2025 tax records until the end of 2031.
3. CRA Audits & Reviews
Selection: Audits are standard verification procedures and are often conducted through random selection. Receiving one does not necessarily mean there is an error.
Separate Service: Please note that audit assistance is a separate professional service and is not covered by your initial tax filing fee.
Urgency: If you receive an audit notice, contact us immediately. Audit responses are strictly time-restricted; missing a deadline can result in the automatic denial of your claims.
4. Staying Updated (Your Responsibility)
By law, tax representatives are not authorized to change your personal address or marital status on your behalf after a return is filed. You must update these yourself to avoid benefit delays or repayment issues.
Address Changes: Update the CRA promptly if you move.
Marital Status: Notify the CRA immediately if you become married, separated, or widowed.
Special Guide for Newcomers & First-Time Filers
If this was your first time filing taxes in Canada, welcome! There are a few unique steps you need to take to manage your future benefits and refunds.
Step 1: Create Your CRA My Account
For security reasons, tax preparers cannot create this account for you. You must do it yourself.
When: You can typically register 1–2 weeks after filing, or once you receive your physical NOA in the mail.
Why: This is the easiest way to track your refund, view your NOA, and manage government benefits (like the GST/HST credit or CCB).
Step 2: Set Up Direct Deposit
The fastest way to get your money is to link your bank account.
Log in to your CRA My Account and add your banking info.
This ensures you receive direct deposits instead of waiting weeks for a cheque to arrive in the mail.
Step 3: Download Your Tax Summary
We will provide you with a digital tax summary for your records. Please download and save this file immediately. Our download links are temporary and will expire after a set period