Tax Audits and Assessments

When dealing with a tax audit or a tax assessment, you need to know where you stand.
Do you?
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Tax Audits & Assessments: Know Where You Stand

When facing a tax audit or assessment, uncertainty can be costly. Do you truly know where you stand—and what your options are?

Tax Audits

During a tax audit, the CRA and Revenu Quebec assign an auditor to examine specific aspects of your tax filings. Auditors have broad statutory powers to ask questions and demand documents.

You should seek legal advice if:

the audit involves complex or sensitive tax issues;
the auditor is unresponsive or dismissive of your explanations;
you are concerned about the scope, direction, or fairness of the audit; or
the audit appears to be escalating toward reassessment or penalties.

Early legal involvement can help manage the process, protect your rights, and prevent unnecessary exposure.

Tax Assessments

Once an audit is completed, the CRA or Revenu Quebec may issue a Notice of Assessment. From the moment it is issued, the assessed amount becomes a tax debt, even if you disagree with it.

You have 90 days to file a formal objection. The objection will be reviewed by a different CRA officer in the Appeals Division. Missing this deadline can severely limit your ability to challenge the assessment.

You should obtain legal advice if:

you face a significant tax liability;
the CRA or Revenu Quebec have assessed you beyond the normal reassessment period;
penalties have been imposed; or
the assessment raises complex legal or factual issues.

We provide clear, strategic assessments of your legal position and guide you through objections and appeals with a focus on results.

Protect Your Rights

Do not abdicate your rights before fully understanding your legal position and the options available to you. Ignoring the issue—or reacting without proper advice—will not make it go away and may significantly worsen your situation.