A CRA audit or review letter is not “just paperwork.” It is an evidence test. The CRA instructs taxpayers to respond within the timeframe in the letter and submit the requested supporting documents, and it provides secure online submission pathways. For business audits, the CRA states it examines books and records to support amounts filed. BOMCAS Canada’s CRA Audit Support service is built to help individuals and businesses respond strategically: understand the scope, package evidence clearly, communicate effectively, protect taxpayer rights, and—when needed—prepare for formal dispute steps under CRA objection processes.
CRA Audit Support
What “audit support” covers
Many clients use the word “audit” to describe different CRA activities. Audit support generally includes help with:
- Pre-assessment and processing reviews (CRA requests for documents to support specific claims).
- Matching programs (differences between slips and what was reported).
- Business audits (CRA examination of books and records for income tax and/or GST/HST).
- Reassessments and dispute pathways (when CRA changes your return and you disagree).
The CRA explicitly instructs individuals how to respond to requests for more information and notes you or your authorized representative may submit scanned documents online using CRA secure portals (My Account / Represent a Client). For businesses, CRA states that audits involve close examination of books and records to ensure amounts filed are supported and correct taxes are paid/received.
Why expert support matters
Because the timeline is not yours. CRA letters come with response timeframes. Missing them can lead to denied claims, delayed refunds, or reassessments that are harder to unwind.
Because evidence presentation matters. Even when you have receipts, if they are disorganized, incomplete, or don’t connect to the claimed line item, the CRA may deny the claim. A strong submission package is a “story with proof,” not a box of PDFs.
Because there are rights—use them. The CRA’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights describes the treatment taxpayers are entitled to, including rights and small business commitments. Audit support should be firm, respectful, and aligned to those rights.
Because dispute windows can be strict. If you disagree with an assessment or determination, the CRA’s dispute guidance describes objection time limits, including common 90-day rules (with special rules for individuals).
BOMCAS audit support offerings
Letter triage and risk assessment (fast start). We review what the CRA is asking for, identify the tax line items involved, and build a response plan and checklist.
Document reconstruction and evidence packaging. Missing receipts are common. We help you reconstruct where possible (supplier reprints, bank evidence, contract proof) and package documents with:
- Reference number matching the CRA letter (per CRA instructions).
- Logical folders and indexing.
- A concise cover letter mapping evidence to each CRA question.
Secure submission and tracking. CRA provides electronic submission pathways for requested documents. We help you submit through secure portals and retain confirmations.
Representing you with CRA (authorization-dependent). The CRA describes Represent a Client as an online portal used by authorized representatives to access tax-related information for those they represent. We guide you through authorization so CRA communication can be handled efficiently and securely.
Business audit support and audit-ready records. CRA’s business audit guidance emphasizes books and records. We help businesses:
- Build reconciliations between bookkeeping, tax returns, and GST/HST filings.
- Ensure record retention practices align with CRA requirements (including GST/HST record retention guidance).
- Prepare for interviews/meetings with a clear “position summary.”
Dispute readiness and objection preparation. If CRA issues a reassessment and you disagree, we help you understand the dispute process and timelines. CRA’s publication P148 outlines objection rights and time limits (including common 90-day deadlines tied to a notice).
Taxpayer relief requests (penalty/interest relief). CRA provides Form RC4288 for requesting relief (cancel/waive penalties and interest), and its guidance explains relief may be granted when events beyond your control prevented meeting obligations. We help you present a strong narrative and evidence.
Voluntary disclosures triage (when applicable). If the core issue is unreported income or past non-compliance—and CRA has not already initiated enforcement actions—CRA’s Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP) may be relevant, subject to eligibility criteria. We help you evaluate whether VDP is appropriate and what a compliant disclosure would entail.
Audit support process
Phase one: Stop the bleeding (first 48–72 hours).
We clarify the CRA request, deadlines, and scope, and we decide what must be done immediately. (If a deadline is close, we prioritize “submit what we can, properly,” while preparing follow-ups where necessary.)
Phase two: Build the evidence file.
We gather documents, reconstruct missing items, and create a submission binder (digital or physical) that tells a coherent story.
Phase three: Communicate clearly.
We respond in the channel CRA expects and keep a copy of everything. CRA’s instructions emphasize replying within the timeframe indicated and including all requested receipts/documents that apply.
Phase four: Resolution and next-step planning.
If CRA accepts the position, we document what worked and update your recordkeeping system. If CRA changes the position, we evaluate dispute options and deadlines based on CRA guidance.
Engagement options and pricing
- CRA Letter Response Package: document checklist + packaging + submission support.
- Audit Representation (Ongoing): ongoing CRA correspondence, meetings, and follow-up.
- Dispute & Relief Support: objection readiness, taxpayer relief support, and related documentation assistance.
Pricing varies—contact for quote. (Exact pricing is unspecified.)
Compliance and legal considerations
This work sits at the intersection of evidence, procedure, and statutory rules.
- Submitting documents: CRA provides secure electronic submission channels for review programs and states you or your authorized representative can submit documents using CRA portals.
- Business audits: CRA states it examines business books and records to support filed amounts.
- Taxpayer rights: CRA’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights describes rights and small business commitments that guide how CRA deals with taxpayers.
- Dispute timelines: CRA’s P148 describes objection rights and common time limits (including 90-day rules; individuals have specific timing rules).
- Relief mechanisms: CRA provides RC4288 for requesting cancellation/waiver of penalties and interest and describes circumstances where relief may apply.
- VDP eligibility: CRA publishes eligibility criteria for voluntary disclosures.
- Recordkeeping: CRA explains record retention timing concepts for GST/HST records (and more broadly emphasizes keeping support).
This page is informational, not legal advice. If litigation or Tax Court representation is required, you may also need legal counsel specializing in tax disputes. (Legal representation capability is unspecified for BOMCAS.)
Client scenarios
Scenario A: “We received a CRA review letter about expenses.”
An individual is asked to support a deduction. We map each line item to evidence, write a clean cover letter, and submit through CRA’s secure portal consistent with CRA instructions (respond within timeframe; include requested docs).
Scenario B: “The CRA is auditing our small business.”
A business receives notice of audit. We organize books and records, reconcile GST/HST and income tax filings, and prepare a clear audit package. CRA describes business audits as examination of books and records to support amounts filed.
Scenario C: “We disagree with the reassessment.”
After CRA reassesses, the taxpayer disagrees. We assess objection timelines and build a dispute-ready evidence file based on CRA’s published objection rights guidance.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a CRA review and a CRA audit?
Reviews often focus on specific items and request supporting documents; audits are broader examinations of books and records (especially for businesses). CRA’s guidance explicitly describes business audits as close examinations of books/records.
Can you submit documents to CRA for me?
With authorization, we can help manage submissions. CRA states you or your authorized representative can send scanned documents online using My Account or Represent a Client.
How long should I keep records?
The CRA provides recordkeeping guidance and includes a six-year framework for GST/HST records (with timing details). We will tailor a retention plan to your situation.
What if I’m late or made a mistake—can penalties and interest be reduced?
CRA provides a taxpayer relief process, including Form RC4288, and explains circumstances where penalties and interest may be canceled or waived.
If I disagree with CRA, what’s my deadline to object?
CRA’s dispute publication explains common objection time limits, including 90-day rules tied to notices of assessment/determination, plus specific timing rules for individuals.
Trust signals
BOMCAS positions itself as an audit, tax, and accounting firm offering services including audit support, personal tax, corporate tax, and GST filings across Canada. BOMCAS audit support is framed here around CRA’s published processes for reviews, audits, submissions, and taxpayer rights.
If you received a CRA letter, audit notice, or reassessment and you want a calm, organized response plan, contact BOMCAS Canada now.
PHONE: 780-667-5250; FAX: 780-851-2520; EMAIL: info@bomcas.ca; https://bomcas.ca.
