After you’ve done all the calculations and submitted your tax return, all that’s left is to sit back and wait for one key piece of mail: your Notice of Assessment (NOA). Once the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has processed your return, it will send you a Notice of Assessment via either electronic or physical mail, depending on which communication option you chose.
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Receiving your Notice of Assessment is an important step in the tax filing process.
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The processing time for your CRA Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return.
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Understanding the timeline and knowing how to access your Notice of Assessment can help you stay informed and plan accordingly.
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The CRA NOA provides valuable information about your tax assessment and financial situation.
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Be sure to read and keep your Notice of Assessment for your records.
What’s included on a CRA Notice of Assessment?
Your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) contains important information about your tax assessment and financial situation. It provides a detailed account summary and tax assessment summary, including any changes or corrections made to your return. Here are the key details you can expect to find on your CRA Notice of Assessment:
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Account Summary: This section provides an overview of your tax account, including your personal information, filing status, and any outstanding balances or credits.
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Tax Assessment Summary: The tax assessment summary outlines the calculations used to determine your tax liability or refund, including income, deductions, and credits. It also specifies the amount you owe or will receive as a refund.
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Explanation of Changes or Corrections: If the CRA made any changes or corrections to your return, this section will provide a detailed explanation of those adjustments. It’s important to review these changes to ensure accuracy and address any discrepancies.
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Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Deduction Limit: The Notice of Assessment also includes your RRSP deduction limit for the current tax year. This amount indicates the maximum contributions you can deduct from your income when contributing to an RRSP.
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Other Important Information: Your Notice of Assessment may include additional information relevant to your specific tax situation. This could include details about installment payments, outstanding balances, or any additional tax credits or benefits you may be eligible for.
“Your Notice of Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of your tax assessment, including your account summary, tax assessment summary, changes or corrections made, RRSP deduction limit, and other important details.”
It’s essential to read and keep your Notice of Assessment for your records. It serves as an official document and provides valuable insights into your tax obligations and financial standing. By thoroughly reviewing your Notice of Assessment, you can ensure the accuracy of your tax assessment and address any issues promptly.
How to get your Notice of Assessment
Once the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has processed your tax return, receiving your Notice of Assessment (NOA) is crucial for understanding your tax assessment. There are two methods to obtain your CRA Notice of Assessment: by mail or online through CRA Online Mail.
By Mail
If you prefer to receive a physical copy of your NOA, the CRA will mail it to the address specified on your tax return. Remember to update your address if you have moved since filing your return.
Online through CRA Online Mail
Accessing your NOA online offers convenience and instant availability. To receive your Notice of Assessment electronically, you need to register for CRA Online Mail when filing your tax return, or you can do so online through your CRA My Account.
To register for CRA Online Mail:
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Select “Manage online mail” under “Preferences.
- Choose the “Receive mail online” option for your CRA correspondence.
By selecting the online option, you can view and download your NOA as soon as it becomes available in your CRA My Account.
Keeping a copy of your NOA is important for future reference. It is recommended that you save a digital copy or print a hard copy to retain for your records.
| Method | Delivery | Availability | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Mail | Physical copy delivered to address on tax return | Arrives within a few weeks after processing | Hard copy for your records |
| Online through CRA Online Mail | Access through CRA My Account | Instant availability once processed | Convenient and eco-friendly |
How to get another copy of your Notice of Assessment
If you’ve misplaced the paper copy of your CRA Notice of Assessment, don’t worry. There are multiple ways to obtain a replacement copy:
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Online through CRA’s My Account: By accessing your My Account, you can view and print your notices of assessment or reassessment at any time. Simply log in to your account and navigate to the appropriate section.
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Using MyCRA mobile application: For assessment and reassessment notices issued after February 9, 2015, you can use the CRA’s mobile application, MyCRA. Simply download the app and follow the instructions to access your documents on your mobile device.
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By contacting the CRA: If you don’t have online access or prefer a physical copy, you can request another copy of your Notice of Assessment by calling the CRA phone number. The customer service representatives will guide you through the process of receiving a replacement.
It’s important to note that online methods, such as using My Account or the MyCRA app, provide convenience and instant access to your assessment documents. However, if you prefer a hard copy, contacting the CRA is the best option for obtaining a replacement.
How long it takes to get your Notice of Assessment
The processing time for receiving your CRA Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return. Here’s what you need to know:
If you submitted your tax return through NETFILE:
If you filed your tax return using the CRA’s NETFILE service, it can take up to two weeks for the CRA to assess your return and send you the Notice of Assessment. This is the quickest way to receive your assessment.
If you printed and mailed your tax return:
If you opted to print and mail your tax return instead of using NETFILE, it will take longer for the CRA to process your return and send you the Notice of Assessment. Typically, this process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
If you filed near or after the tax deadline:
If you filed your tax return close to or after the tax deadline, the processing time for your Notice of Assessment may be longer. In some cases, it can take up to 8 weeks to receive your assessment. It’s important to file your taxes on time to avoid any delays in processing.
For nonresidents and individuals living outside Canada:
If you are a nonresident filing a personal income tax return or if you live outside of Canada, the processing time for your Notice of Assessment may be longer. In some cases, it can take up to 16 weeks. It’s important to keep this timeline in mind and plan accordingly.
Understanding the processing time for your Notice of Assessment can help you better anticipate when you will receive it and ensure that you have all the necessary information for your financial records.
| Method of Filing | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| NETFILE | Up to 2 weeks |
| Printed and Mailed Return | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Filing near or after the tax deadline | Up to 8 weeks |
| Nonresidents and individuals living outside Canada | Up to 16 weeks |
An express path for your Notice of Assessment
If you’re looking for a faster way to access your Notice of Assessment, the Express Notice of Assessment (Express NOA) service is the perfect solution. This service allows you to view your Notice of Assessment immediately after the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has processed your tax return.
To use the Express NOA service, there are two requirements you need to meet:
- You must be registered for CRA My Account.
- You need to use NETFILE-certified software.
By meeting these criteria, you can enjoy the convenience of accessing your Notice of Assessment instantly, without having to wait for it to arrive in the mail.
Benefits of the Express NOA Service
The Express NOA service offers several advantages:
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Quick Access: With Express NOA, you can view your Notice of Assessment as soon as it is processed, enabling you to stay updated on your tax assessment without any delays.
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Convenience: Instead of waiting for your Notice of Assessment to be mailed to you, you can access it immediately from the comfort of your computer or device.
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Reduced Paperwork: By opting for electronic access, you can avoid unnecessary paperwork and clutter.
How to Use the Express NOA Service
Using the Express NOA service is straightforward. Here’s how:
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Ensure you are registered for CRA My Account. If you haven’t registered yet, visit the CRA website and follow the registration instructions.
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Choose a NETFILE-certified software for filing your tax return. Make sure the software you select is compatible with the Express NOA service.
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After successfully filing your return, you will receive a confirmation message.
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Open your NETFILE-certified software and enter your CRA My Account user ID and password.
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The Express NOA service will automatically retrieve and display your Notice of Assessment within the software.
With these simple steps, you can take advantage of the Express NOA service to swiftly access your Notice of Assessment and stay on top of your tax situation.
Comparison of Notice of Assessment Access Methods
| Access Method | Processing Time | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Express Notice of Assessment | Immediate | High |
| Dependent on postal delivery | Moderate |
As shown in the comparison table, utilizing the Express NOA service offers the advantage of immediate access, ensuring you receive your Notice of Assessment without delay.
How long after a Notice of Assessment do you get a refund?
Once you receive your Notice of Assessment (CRA NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you might be wondering when you can expect to receive your refund. The timing of your refund depends on the form in which you receive your NOA, whether it’s in the mail or electronically. Let’s explore the process to give you a better idea of when to expect your refund.
If you opted to receive a physical copy of your CRA NOA by mail, you can typically expect to receive your refund at the same time as your Notice of Assessment. It will arrive in the form of a cheque. However, if you chose to receive an electronic Notice of Assessment, the timeline for receiving your refund may differ.
If you received an electronic CRA NOA, you may receive it before your refund is issued. The refund can be made available through either a cheque or electronic deposit depending on the payment method you selected. It’s important to keep an eye on both your NOA and your chosen refund method to stay informed about the status of your refund.
To summarize:
- If you received a physical CRA NOA by mail, your refund will typically arrive at the same time as your NOA via cheque.
- If you received an electronic CRA NOA, your refund may be issued separately, either as a cheque or electronic deposit.
Planning for the timing of your refund can help you better manage your finances, so keep an eye out for both your CRA NOA and your refund to arrive.
What is Express NOA and how can you use it?
Express NOA is a secure service provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that allows individuals and authorized representatives to conveniently access their Notice of Assessment (NOA) or Notice of Reassessment. This service is available year-round, except during regularly scheduled system maintenance.
To use Express NOA, there are two options:
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If you are a certified electronic filer, you can utilize EFILE-certified tax preparation software. With this option, you can view your NOA or Notice of Reassessment directly within the software.
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If you are a registered user of My Account, you can use NETFILE-certified tax preparation software to access Express NOA. Once you file your tax return and receive a confirmation message, you can enter your My Account user ID and password to view your NOA directly within the software.
This service is especially beneficial for individuals who prefer the convenience of accessing their notice electronically or for authorized representatives who need real-time access to their clients’ assessment information.
Please note that in order to access Express NOA:
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To use EFILE-certified software, you need to be a certified electronic filer and have access to the software.
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To use NETFILE-certified software, you must be registered for My Account and have access to NETFILE-certified tax preparation software.
By using Express NOA, individuals and authorized representatives can conveniently and securely review their assessment information without the need for paper copies or waiting for mail delivery.
Using Express NOA for authorized representatives
As an authorized representative, you can take advantage of the convenient Express Notice of Assessment (Express NOA) service. To use this service, you must meet certain requirements:
- Be a certified electronic filer.
- Be registered in Represent a Client with a RepID, GroupID, or business number.
- Use EFILE-certified software.
Additionally, your client must authorize you for online access to their CRA tax information and select the Express NOA option in Form T183.
With Express NOA, you can quickly and easily access the notice of assessment or notice of reassessment for your authorized clients through EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software. This service simplifies the process and allows you to view important tax information without delay.
Make sure to fulfill the necessary requirements and obtain the authorization from your clients to access Express NOA. It is a valuable tool that can streamline your work as an authorized representative and enhance your efficiency in handling their tax matters.
| Requirements for Authorized Representatives |
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| 1. Be a certified electronic filer |
| 2. Be registered in Represent a Client with a RepID, GroupID, or business number |
| 3. Use EFILE-certified software |
| 4. Obtain client authorization for online access |
| 5. Select the Express NOA option in Form T183 |
Using Express NOA for individuals
If you want to take advantage of the convenient Express Notice of Assessment (Express NOA) service as an individual, you need to be registered for My Account and use NETFILE-certified software. Once you have filed your tax return and received a confirmation message, you can easily access the Express NOA service by entering your My Account user ID and password. By doing so, your notice of assessment will be delivered directly into your software.
Using the Express NOA service offers several benefits. Instead of waiting for your Notice of Assessment to arrive in the mail, you can access it instantly online. This saves you time and ensures you have the most up-to-date information about your tax assessment. Plus, with this service, you can conveniently access your notice of assessment directly within your NETFILE-certified software.
To use the Express NOA service as an individual, follow these steps:
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Ensure you are registered for My Account with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If you haven’t registered yet, you can easily do so on the CRA’s website.
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Make sure you are using NETFILE-certified software. This software is authorized by the CRA, ensuring the security and accuracy of your tax return.
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File your tax return using the NETFILE-certified software. Once you receive the confirmation message indicating that your return has been successfully filed, you can proceed to the next step.
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Visit the CRA’s website and log in to your My Account using your user ID and password.
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Look for the Express NOA option within your My Account dashboard. Click on it to access your notice of assessment.
By following these simple steps, you can easily access your Notice of Assessment using the Express NOA service. It’s a quick and convenient way to stay informed about your tax assessment and ensure your financial records are up to date.
Example:
Using the Express NOA service has made managing my tax assessment so much easier. I no longer have to wait for the mail to arrive to find out the status of my return. With just a few clicks, I can access my Notice of Assessment online and view it directly in my tax software. It’s a hassle-free way to stay on top of my taxes.
| Benefits of Using Express NOA for Individuals | |
|---|---|
| Instant access to your Notice of Assessment | Say goodbye to waiting for the mail |
| Conveniently view your notice of assessment within NETFILE-certified software | No need to navigate through multiple platforms |
| Stay up to date with the most current information about your tax assessment | Ensure your financial records are accurate |
Preparing a tax return for a family member or a friend
If you’re helping a family member or friend with their tax return, it’s important to ensure that you are authorized to use Express NOA (Notice of Assessment) on their behalf. To do this, you will need to obtain a RepID, which is a unique identifier, through the Represent a Client portal. Once you have the RepID, you can provide it to your family member or friend so they can authorize you as their representative through their My Account. This authorization allows you to access their tax information and receive their Notice of Assessment.
Express NOA does not show your payment
If you make a payment around the same time that you file your tax return and receive your Notice of Assessment, the payment may not be reflected on your notice. It’s important to note that the Notice of Assessment primarily focuses on your tax assessment and financial information, rather than your payment transactions. To confirm any payments made to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and ensure that they are accounted for, you can:
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Check your online banking portal: Most financial institutions provide an online banking platform where you can review your payment history and transactions. By logging into your online banking portal, you can quickly verify if your payment has been processed by the CRA.
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Log into My Account: CRA’s My Account is a secure online portal that allows you to access and manage your tax information. By logging into My Account, you can review your payment history and see if your recent payment has been applied to your account balance.
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Call the Individual Tax Account Balance Automated Service: If you prefer to inquire about your payment over the phone, you can contact the CRA’s Individual Tax Account Balance Automated Service. This automated service provides information on your account balance and recent transactions, including payments made.
By utilizing these methods, you can ensure that your payment has been properly recorded by the CRA and reflected in your account balance.
Service Standards for CRA
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is committed to maintaining service standards that ensure citizens can expect a certain level of performance under normal circumstances. These service standards cover various areas including tax returns, benefits, claims, clearance certificates, pensions, charities, and more.
Tax Returns
When it comes to tax returns, the CRA aims to assess electronically filed returns within two weeks, while the processing time for printed and mailed returns can range from 4 to 6 weeks. Filing near or after the tax deadline may result in longer processing times, up to 8 weeks. Nonresidents filing a personal income tax return or those living outside Canada may experience a processing time of up to 16 weeks.
Benefits and Claims
For benefits and claims, the CRA strives to assess most benefit applications within 8 weeks. However, additional time may be required for more complex applications or situations.
Clearance Certificates
Clearance certificates, which confirm that an individual or business has paid all amounts owing to the CRA, are typically processed within 10 business days of receiving a complete application.
Pensions
The CRA aims to process pension-related applications, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension or Old Age Security (OAS) benefits, within 30 business days.
Charities
When it comes to registering charitable organizations, the CRA strives to process complete applications within 60 days. The processing time may be longer if additional information or clarification is required.
The Canada Revenue Agency is committed to providing timely and efficient services to Canadian taxpayers across various areas, including tax returns, benefits, claims, clearance certificates, pensions, and charities. Our service standards ensure that citizens can reasonably expect a certain level of performance under normal circumstances. We understand the importance of these services and strive to meet the needs and expectations of all taxpayers.”
Conclusion
Getting your CRA Notice of Assessment is an essential part of the tax filing process. It provides valuable information about your tax assessment and financial situation, ensuring that you are aware of any changes or corrections made to your return. The processing time for receiving your Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Understanding the timeline for receiving your Notice of Assessment is crucial. If you submitted your tax return through the CRA’s NETFILE service, you can expect to receive your assessment within two weeks. However, if you printed and mailed your return, it can take 4 to 6 weeks, and filing near or after the tax deadline may result in a longer processing time, sometimes up to 8 weeks. Nonresidents or individuals living outside Canada may experience a processing time of up to 16 weeks.
To access your Notice of Assessment, you have two options. It can be sent to you by mail, or you can choose to receive it electronically through CRA Online Mail. By registering for CRA Online Mail or using your CRA My Account, you can easily access and view your Notice of Assessment online. Furthermore, if you misplace the paper copy, you can request another copy through CRA’s online platforms or by calling the CRA phone number.
By familiarizing yourself with the processing time and the available methods for accessing your CRA Notice of Assessment, you can ensure that you stay informed about your tax assessment and make informed financial decisions. Take advantage of the resources provided by the CRA and stay up to date with your financial responsibilities.
FAQ
How long will it take to get the CRA NOA?
The processing time for receiving your Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return. If you submitted it through CRA’s NETFILE service, it can take up to two weeks for the CRA to assess your return. If you printed and mailed your return, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. Nonresidents filing a personal income tax return or those living outside Canada may experience a processing time of up to 16 weeks.
What’s included on a CRA Notice of Assessment?
Your Notice of Assessment contains lots of key information, including your account summary, tax assessment summary, an explanation of changes or corrections made on your return, your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) deduction limit, and other important details. It’s important to read and keep your Notice of Assessment for your records.
How to get your Notice of Assessment?
There are two ways to get your Notice of Assessment. It can be sent to you by mail, to the address on your tax return, or you can access it online through CRA Online Mail. You can register for CRA Online Mail when you file your tax return or online through your CRA My Account.
How to get another copy of your Notice of Assessment?
If you’ve misplaced the paper copy of your Notice of Assessment, you can get a replacement copy in two ways. You can use CRA’s My Account to view and print your notices of assessment or reassessment, or you can use MyCRA, the CRA’s mobile application, to view assessment and reassessment notices issued after February 9, 2015. If you don’t have online or app access, you can request another copy by calling the CRA phone number.
How long it takes to get your Notice of Assessment?
The processing time for receiving your Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return. If you submitted it through CRA’s NETFILE service, it can take up to two weeks for the CRA to assess your return. If you printed and mailed your return, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. If you filed near or after the tax deadline, it can take even longer, sometimes up to 8 weeks. Nonresidents filing a personal income tax return or those living outside Canada may experience a processing time of up to 16 weeks.
What is an express path for your Notice of Assessment?
The Express Notice of Assessment (Express NOA) is a service that allows individuals to view their Notice of Assessment immediately after the return has been processed by the CRA. To use this service, you need to be registered for CRA My Account and use a NETFILE-certified software.
How long after a Notice of Assessment do you get a refund?
Typically, you get your refund at the same time that you get your Notice of Assessment in the mail. However, if you opted for an electronic Notice of Assessment, you might receive it before your refund arrives in the form of a cheque or electronically deposited money.
What is Express NOA and how can you use it?
Express NOA is a secure CRA service that allows individuals and authorized representatives to view the notice of assessment or notice of reassessment in EFILE and NETFILE certified tax preparation software. It is available year-round, except during regularly scheduled system maintenance. To use Express NOA, you need to be a certified electronic filer and use EFILE-certified software or be registered for My Account and use NETFILE-certified software.
How to use Express NOA for authorized representatives?
To use the Express NOA service as an authorized representative, you need to be a certified electronic filer, registered in Represent a Client with a RepID, GroupID, or business number, and use EFILE-certified software. Your client must authorize you for online access to their CRA tax information and select the Express NOA option in Form T183.
How to use Express NOA for individuals?
To use the Express NOA service as an individual, you need to be registered for My Account and use NETFILE-certified software. Once you file your return and receive a confirmation message, you can enter your My Account user ID and password to access the Express NOA service. Your notice of assessment will be delivered directly into your software.
How to prepare a tax return for a family member or a friend?
If you’re preparing a tax return for a family member or friend, you need to be authorized to use Express NOA on their behalf. You can obtain a RepID through the Represent a Client portal and give it to your family member or friend so they can authorize you as their representative through their My Account.
Does Express NOA show your payment?
If you make a payment around the same time that you file your tax return and receive your Notice of Assessment, the payment may not be reflected on your notice. To confirm any payments made to the CRA, you can check your online banking portal, log into My Account, or call the Individual Tax Account Balance Automated Service.
What are the CRA service standards?
The Canada Revenue Agency has service standards that state the level of performance that citizens can reasonably expect under normal circumstances. These standards cover areas such as tax returns, benefits, claims, clearance certificates, pensions, charities, and more.
How long will it take to get the CRA NOA?
The processing time for receiving your Notice of Assessment can vary depending on how and when you filed your tax return. If you submitted it through CRA’s NETFILE service, it can take up to two weeks for the CRA to assess your return. And In case you printed and mailed your return, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. Nonresidents filing a personal income tax return or those living outside Canada may experience a processing time of up to 16 weeks.