When the CRA Calls – What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Say

Receiving a phone call from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can be intimidating. Many people panic, overshare information, or fall victim to scams simply because they don’t know what the CRA is allowed to ask — and what they are not.

This guide explains how to handle a CRA phone call calmly, safely, and correctly.

First: Is the Call Really From the CRA?

Before saying anything, you must confirm the call is legitimate. CRA phone scams are extremely common.

A real CRA agent:

• Will usually already have sent a letter

• Will identify themselves with a name and badge number

• Will not threaten arrest or immediate jail time

• Will not demand payment by gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer

• Will not pressure you to act immediately

If the caller sounds aggressive, threatening, or urgent — hang up.

You can always call CRA back using the official number from the CRA website or your CRA My Account.

What You SHOULD Say When the CRA Calls

1. Ask for Identification

You are allowed to ask for:

• The agent’s name

• Their CRA badge number

• The department they are calling from

A real CRA agent will not hesitate to provide this.

2. Ask What the Call Is About

It’s reasonable to ask:

• Which tax year they are calling about

• Whether it relates to a review, balance owing, missing documents, or benefits

Keep the conversation factual and brief.

3. Confirm Basic Information Only

The CRA may ask you to confirm limited identity details such as:

• Your full name

• Date of birth

• Postal code

This is normal — but do not volunteer extra information.

4. Ask for Written Follow-Up

You can say:
“I’d prefer to receive this request in writing through my CRA account.”

This protects you and gives you time to respond correctly.

5. Say You Need Time (If You’re Unsure)

You are allowed to say:
“I need time to review this”
“I’ll follow up after speaking with my tax professional”

You do not need to answer everything on the spot.

What You Should NOT Say to the CRA

❌ Don’t Guess or Speculate

Never guess numbers, income, or explanations.
Incorrect information can lead to reassessments or audits.

❌ Don’t Admit Fault Immediately

Statements like:

• “I probably did something wrong”

• “I forgot to report income”

• “I wasn’t sure so I just estimated”

These can trigger deeper reviews.

❌ Don’t Volunteer Extra Information

Only answer what is asked.
Oversharing can open new issues unrelated to the original call.

❌ Don’t Agree to Changes Without Understanding

If CRA proposes an adjustment, do not say “okay” unless you fully understand the impact.

Ask for it in writing.

❌ Don’t Give Banking or Payment Information

The CRA will never ask for:

• Credit card numbers

• Online banking passwords

• E-transfer confirmations

• Gift card payments

If they do — it’s a scam.

Common Reasons the CRA Calls

Legitimate CRA calls may involve:

• Missing tax slips

• Unfiled tax returns

• Balance owing

• Installment reminders

• Benefit reviews (CCB, GST/HST)

• Audit or review follow-ups

• Clarification of deductions

Most calls are routine, not accusations.

If You’re Not Comfortable, You Can End the Call

You have the right to say:
“I’d like to end this call and follow up in writing.”

You can also authorize a tax professional to speak to CRA on your behalf.

How TikiTax Can Help

If the CRA calls you and you’re unsure how to respond, TikiTax can:

• Speak to the CRA for you

• Review the issue before you respond

• Prepare documents properly

• Prevent unnecessary reassessments

• Protect your benefits and refunds

Many CRA problems get worse simply because of one wrong sentence on a phone call.