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How to Correct Your Tax Return After Filing with the CRA

  • lsultanov
  • May 25
  • 3 min read

Filing your taxes accurately is essential, but mistakes happen—even to the most careful taxpayer. Whether you've accidentally omitted income, forgotten to claim a deduction, or made an error in reporting, correcting your tax return after submission is not only possible but relatively straightforward. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers clear procedures to help you amend your return, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain compliance.


Step One: Review Your Notice of Assessment

Before taking steps to amend your return, it's crucial to wait until you receive your Notice of Assessment (NOA). The NOA is an official statement from the CRA confirming that your tax return has been reviewed and finalized. Attempting to make corrections before the CRA processes your original return could lead to confusion, delays, or errors in the assessment process.


Options for Correcting Your Tax Return

Once you've received your NOA and confirmed that your return has been processed, you have several options to amend your tax return:


1. Online Corrections through CRA’s "My Account"

The simplest and quickest way to adjust your return is online via the CRA’s "Change My Return" feature, accessible through your personal My Account portal. This online service allows you to correct returns filed for any of the last ten tax years. You can easily update income amounts, add or remove deductions, adjust credits, or report previously omitted slips such as T4s, T5s, or charitable donation receipts.


Using "Change My Return" typically results in faster processing, often within two weeks, provided the CRA doesn't require additional supporting documentation or clarification.


2. Using the ReFILE Service

If you initially filed your return electronically through NETFILE-certified tax software, you can take advantage of the ReFILE service. ReFILE allows taxpayers to submit adjustments directly from their tax software for returns from recent years (typically the last three years).


When using ReFILE, ensure your software supports this functionality. It streamlines the amendment process by letting you correct the information directly within the same software interface you originally used. ReFILE submissions usually see turnaround times similar to online adjustments—approximately two weeks for processing.


3. Filing Adjustments by Mail Using Form T1-ADJ

For those who prefer a traditional approach or have complex amendments requiring additional documentation, the CRA provides Form T1-ADJ (T1 Adjustment Request). This form must be mailed to your appropriate tax centre, along with a clearly written explanation of each correction and copies of any relevant documents.


While submitting adjustments by mail is entirely acceptable, taxpayers should anticipate longer processing times—often around eight weeks or more, particularly during busy periods such as immediately after the tax-filing deadline.


Important Considerations Before Making Adjustments

When preparing to correct your return, consider the following important points to ensure smooth processing:

  • Retain Supporting Documents: Although you typically do not need to send additional documents unless specifically requested by the CRA, it’s crucial to keep all supporting evidence readily available for at least six years. This includes slips, receipts, and records of deductions or credits claimed.

  • Understand Time Limits: You can amend tax returns filed within the past ten calendar years. Adjustments beyond this window generally will not be accepted, making timely corrections important.

  • Impact on Benefits and Credits: Changes made to your tax return can affect government benefits or credits you currently receive or are eligible to receive. Expect an updated Notice of Reassessment that could impact future benefit payments, requiring careful consideration or advice from a tax professional.

  • Special Cases: Certain returns, such as bankruptcy returns or those involving specific complexities outlined by the Income Tax Act, may not be eligible for online adjustments. Such cases usually require direct communication or mail submissions to the CRA.



After You've Submitted Your Adjustment

Following submission, the CRA will review your amendments and either issue a Notice of Reassessment confirming the adjustments or contact you directly if further details are required. If the CRA disagrees or cannot process your requested changes, you will receive a detailed explanation of their decision, providing you an opportunity to respond or clarify the matter further.


Professional Assistance is Available

While correcting minor mistakes can be straightforward, certain situations—particularly those involving multiple years, significant income adjustments, or complicated tax scenarios—benefit greatly from professional guidance. Our experienced team at Freeman & Lourenco LLP is well-versed in CRA procedures, helping clients efficiently resolve issues and optimize their tax positions.

If you're uncertain about how to proceed, contact our office to receive expert advice tailored to your specific situation. We’re committed to providing clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind throughout the amendment process.

 
 
 

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