Notice of Assessment Canada (NOA) is the official document the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends after processing your personal or corporate income tax return. Understanding your NOA is critical — it confirms what the CRA calculated, shows your tax refund or balance owing, and establishes your RRSP contribution room, loss carryforwards, and other account balances for future tax years.
What Is a Notice of Assessment in Canada?
After you file your T1 personal income tax return or T2 corporate income tax return, the CRA reviews it and issues a Notice of Assessment (NOA). The NOA is the CRA’s official calculation of your tax for the year — it may match your filed return exactly, or the CRA may have made adjustments to your reported amounts.
Key Sections of the CRA Notice of Assessment
1. Summary of Assessment
Shows whether the CRA agrees with your return as filed, or has made changes. Look for any line where the CRA’s numbers differ from yours — these discrepancies should be investigated immediately.
2. Tax Assessment Summary
Displays your total income, deductions, taxable income, federal tax, provincial tax, tax already withheld (from T4 slips, etc.), and the resulting refund or balance owing.
3. RRSP/PRPP Deduction Limit Statement
One of the most important sections for tax planning. Shows your total RRSP contribution room available for the following year, calculated as 18% of your prior-year earned income minus pension adjustments, plus any unused room carried forward. Always keep your current NOA handy before making RRSP contributions to avoid over-contributing.
4. Home Buyers Plan (HBP) and Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) Balances
If you withdrew from your RRSP under the Home Buyers Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan, the NOA shows your current outstanding balance and the minimum repayment required each year.
5. Net Capital Losses
Shows any capital losses from prior years that can be carried forward to offset future capital gains. This is an important planning tool — if you have significant unrealized gains, knowing your capital loss carryforward is key before triggering a sale.
6. Non-Capital Losses
Business and property losses that can be carried back 3 years or forward 20 years to offset income. Useful for businesses with fluctuating income who want to recover taxes paid in profitable years.
What to Do If the CRA’s NOA Is Different From Your Return
If the CRA has changed your return on the notice of assessment Canada, you have two options:
- Agree: If you agree with the CRA’s adjustment, ensure you understand why — and plan accordingly
- Disagree: You have 90 days from the date of the NOA to file a Notice of Objection (Form T400A). This formally disputes the CRA’s assessment and triggers a review process
Always act within the 90-day deadline — missing it eliminates your right to appeal the specific assessment.
Notice of Reassessment
The CRA may also issue a Notice of Reassessment if they identify additional errors or changes after the initial assessment — this is common after a CRA audit, Voluntary Disclosure, or when the CRA receives additional information from third parties (T-slips, real estate transactions, etc.).
How to Get Your Notice of Assessment in Canada
- CRA My Account: Log in online to view and download your NOA instantly after your return is processed
- Paper mail: The CRA mails a physical copy to your address on file — typically 2 to 8 weeks after filing
- NETFILE confirmation: After e-filing, you receive an immediate express NOA confirming receipt — but the full NOA comes later
Need Help Understanding Your CRA Notice of Assessment?
If your notice of assessment Canada shows unexpected changes, a balance owing, or numbers you don’t understand, Pathak Professional Corporation in Mississauga can review your NOA, explain the CRA’s adjustments, and advise on whether to object.
Call 437-872-7399 or visit 48 Village Centre Place, Mississauga, ON L4Z 1V9.
