Notice of Assessment (NOA)
The receipt for your tax return: what you filed, what you owe or get back, and your RRSP room. Routine — but always compare it against what you actually filed, because differences mean the CRA changed something.
⏰ The deadlines
| If you disagree | Object within 90 days of the NOA date — or, for individuals, up to 1 year after the return's filing due date if that is later |
| Balance owing | Interest accrues daily after the payment due date |
🛡️ Defenses & defects to check
- Line-by-line differences from your filed return are explained in the "changes we made" section — read it before panicking.
- A refund different from expected usually means a credit was adjusted or an old debt was offset.
💡 What the pros know
- Keep every NOA — banks ask for them, and the RRSP/TFSA room numbers on them prevent expensive over-contribution mistakes.
- Set up CRA My Account: every notice appears there, which is also your #1 scam check.
Related forms: Notice of Reassessment · Instalment Reminder
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Decode it freeGeneral tax information, not tax or legal advice — verified against official guidance but programs and deadlines change. Confirm on canada.ca or with a licensed tax professional; free help exists at community tax clinics (CVITP).