You filed your tax return. Then, a few minutes or maybe weeks later, you receive an email from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) saying there’s a new message waiting.

In most cases, it’s your Notice of Assessment (NOA). This document summarizes the CRA’s review of your tax return and confirms your tax position for the year.

Here’s what your NOA means and what you should check when you receive it.

What If Your Refund or Balance Owing Is Different?

If your Notice of Assessment shows a different refund amount or balance owing than you expected, don’t worry. Sometimes the CRA makes adjustments after reviewing your return.

Start by checking the Explanation of Changes section. This outlines any updates the CRA made, such as correcting information from a tax slip or removing a claim that was missing supporting documentation.

If something doesn’t look right, take a closer look:

• Compare the income on your tax slips with what the CRA used.
• Make sure all eligible tax credits and deductions were included.
• Confirm that any tax installment payments or credits were applied correctly.

If you spot a genuine error on their end, you don’t have to accept it passively. Gather your documents—you have options to get it corrected.

Important Numbers to Keep

Your Notice of Assessment isn’t just a summary of your tax return—it also includes information you’ll need for future tax planning. Be sure to review:

• RRSP deduction limit: The maximum amount you can contribute without overcontributing.
• Unused RRSP contributions: Contributions made in previous years that you haven’t claimed yet.
• Carry-forward amounts: Available credits or losses, such as tuition amounts, moving expenses, or capital losses, that can be used in future years.

Pro-Tip: Always use the exact figure printed on your latest NOA to avoid costly 1% per-month over-contribution penalties! Never guess your RRSP limit based on last year’s income.

Review vs. Audit

If the CRA asks you to provide receipts or other documents, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being audited.

A processing review is a routine request to verify claims such as medical expenses, charitable donations, or childcare costs. In most cases, you’ll simply need to submit the requested documents.

An audit is much more detailed and is less common. It involves a broader review of your tax records and financial information.

Need to Fix a Mistake on Your 2025 Return?

Did you realize you missed a T4A slip or found extra receipts after you already sent in your taxes?

Please don’t file a whole new tax return. Sending a second return will just confuse the CRA’s system and slow things down.

Instead, wait until you get your first Notice of Assessment (NOA), and then follow these simple steps to make a correction:

1. Online (Fastest): Log into CRA My Account and use the “Re-file” feature through your NETFILE-certified software, or click “Change my return” directly on the CRA portal.
2. By Mail: Fill out Form T1-ADJ (T1 Adjustment Request), attach your supporting documents, and mail it to your local tax centre.

Why Your NOA Matters

Your Notice of Assessment is an important tax document to keep for your records. Taking a few minutes to review it can help you understand any changes the CRA made, plan for future tax years, and correct any errors if needed.