The CRA Audit Experts
Whether it's clarifying a misunderstanding, correcting factual errors, or defending your original filings, the appeals process gives you a structured path to push back. If the CRA assigns your file to an appeals officer, they will review your case and any additional information you provide. And if the objection isn't resolved in your favour, you can take your case further to the Tax Court of Canada or the Federal Court of Appeal, depending on the situation.
Support from Sam Faris CPA and our team of CRA tax audit specialists at TaxAuditHelp.ca during this stage can make all the difference. Knowledgeable representation helps ensure your voice is heard, your documentation is clear, and your appeal is grounded in strong tax law principles. Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the self-assessment system, and being proactive in reviewing each tax year, we position you for a stronger case.
Getting audited by the CRA can feel stressful, but solid preparation gives you some control over the assessment process. Start by organizing your financial records, since these are the foundation of any tax audit. You'll need:
Make sure everything is complete, accurate, and easy to access. Auditors look for consistency and documentation, so double-check your numbers and ensure you're ready for any reassessment that might follow. This kind of document preparation is key to managing audit depth—the more thorough and well-organized you are, the fewer questions you're likely to face.
Several common characteristics can trigger a CRA audit, especially if your return reflects a high tax audit risk. These include mismatches between reported income and lifestyle, unusually large or frequent deductions, dramatic swings in income, repeated losses from a self-employed business, or significant income from foreign sources. If you're in a cash business, such as construction, hospitality, or personal services, you're more likely to be viewed as part of the underground cash economy, which often draws closer scrutiny from auditors.
The CRA also uses data matching, industry benchmarks, and comparisons within demographic groups to detect anomalies. If your numbers stand out or differ significantly from others in your peer group, the CRA may suspect non-compliance or income that was misreported in previous audits. This can lead to further review or, in more serious cases, referral for a criminal investigation.
Being selected for audit doesn't automatically mean you've done anything wrong, but it can indicate the CRA has found something in your file that fits one or more known CRA audit triggers.
From the moment you're contacted by the CRA, we step in as your advocate. You don't need a tax lawyer—we provide full audit protection by managing all communication, responding to information requests, organizing financial records, and ensuring your rights are upheld. Our approach is strategic and proactive, designed to reduce risk, minimize potential liabilities, get it right the first time, and bring clarity to an otherwise stressful situation.
Whether the audit involves personal income, corporate filings, GST/HST, or payroll, we work closely with you to build a clear, well-supported case. Our team is focused on facts, fairness, and compliance with Canadian tax laws to help you avoid penalties or even potential tax fraud charges.
With Sam Faris CPA and TaxAuditHelp.ca on your side, you're not going through the audit alone—you've got a dedicated team committed to protecting what matters most
An audit doesn't always mean you've done something wrong. Common audit flagging reasons include math errors, unusually high deductions, missing income, or inconsistencies between what you reported and what third-party reporting (like employers or banks) submitted. In some cases, audits stem from patterns identified through international leaks or referrals within the CRA's investigator referral program.
The CRA will typically notify you by mail. The notice will explain what part of your return is under review and what documents they need from you. They may also include an audit questionnaire asking for more context around your financial activities.
There are three main types:
During any of these, you'll be expected to provide supporting records and detailed documentation. Poor record-keeping issues can create problems, even if your return was accurate overall.
There are three main outcomes:
If the CRA finds evidence of tax evasion, the audit could lead to more serious consequences, including criminal proceedings.
You have the right to appeal. This can include going through an internal CRA appeals process or even taking your case to tax court. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Section 7 of The Canadian Charter of Rights ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly during audits. Taxpayer cooperation during the audit can also significantly affect the outcome and may reduce the chance of escalation.
