Getting Your Notice of Assessment Explained

After you file your tax return, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends you a document called a Notice of Assessment (NOA). Many people receive it, glance at the refund amount, and ignore the rest.

That’s a mistake.

Your Notice of Assessment is one of the most important tax documents you’ll receive. It confirms what the CRA accepted, what they changed, and what you can do next.

This guide explains your NOA in simple terms and tells you exactly what to look for.

What Is a Notice of Assessment?

A Notice of Assessment is the CRA’s official response to your tax return. It confirms that your return has been processed and shows the CRA’s final calculation of your taxes.

You’ll usually receive it:

• By mail, or

• Online through CRA My Account

It typically arrives 2–8 weeks after filing, depending on how you filed.

What Information Is on Your Notice of Assessment?

Your NOA includes several key sections you should always review.

1. Total Income and Taxable Income

This shows the income the CRA used to calculate your taxes.
Make sure it matches what you reported.

If CRA received a slip you missed (like a T5 or T4A), they may adjust your income.

2. Refund or Balance Owing

Your NOA will clearly state whether:

• You are getting a refund, or

• You owe money

If you owe taxes, the notice will show:

• The amount owing

• The payment deadline

• Interest charged (if applicable)

If you’re getting a refund, it confirms the final amount.

3. Changes Made by CRA

If the CRA adjusted your return, your NOA will explain:

• What was changed

• Why it was changed

Common reasons include:

• Missing slips

• Disallowed deductions

• Incorrect credit amounts

Always read this section carefully.

4. RRSP Deduction Limit

Your NOA shows:

• Your new RRSP contribution room

• Any unused RRSP contributions

This number is critical for future tax planning.
Contributing more than your limit can result in penalties.

5. Carryforward Amounts

Your NOA confirms amounts you can use in future years, such as:

• Tuition credits

• Capital losses

• Net capital losses

• Non-capital losses

If these numbers are wrong, future returns may also be affected.

6. Installment Reminders (If Applicable)

If you’re self-employed or owe tax regularly, your NOA may include:

• Instalment payment amounts

• Due dates for the next tax year

Ignoring instalments can lead to interest and penalties.

Why Your Notice of Assessment Matters

Your NOA is often required when you:

• Apply for a mortgage

• Apply for student loans or OSAP

• Apply for government benefits

• Prove income

• Apply for financing or immigration purposes

It is your official proof of income and tax status.

What If You Disagree With Your Notice of Assessment?

If something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it.

You can:

• Request an adjustment (T1 Adjustment Request), or

• File a Notice of Objection (within 90 days)

Common issues include:

• Missing deductions

• Denied credits

• Incorrect income amounts

A tax professional can help review your NOA and fix errors quickly.

Common Mistakes People Make With Their NOA

❌ Only checking the refund amount
❌ Ignoring CRA changes
❌ Missing RRSP limit errors
❌ Not reviewing carryforward credits
❌ Forgetting payment deadlines
❌ Losing the document

Always download and save a copy.

How TikiTax Can Help

At TikiTax, we don’t just file your return — we:

• Review your Notice of Assessment

• Explain CRA changes in plain English

• Correct errors

• File adjustments

• Help avoid future penalties

If you received a Notice of Assessment and aren’t sure what it means, we’re here to help.

Final Takeaway

Your Notice of Assessment is more than just a confirmation — it’s a roadmap for your tax situation.

Always:

• Read it carefully

• Check the numbers

• Act quickly if something looks wrong

Doing so can save you money, prevent CRA issues, and help you plan smarter for the future.