Filing your taxes can be an unpleasant experience. It’s not uncommon for stress to accompany the filing of a tax return, especially one that’s complex. Navigating the endless rules in the tax code can be a daunting and time-consuming task. There’s also the stress associated with filing on time, paying taxes owed, and of course, the most dreaded one of all: the audit.
But does an audit warrant that kind of anxiety? Or do people overreact in the face of an impending Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) audit, believing it to be more terrible than it really is?
In Canada, the tax system functions under a self-reporting system, putting the onus on the taxpayer to determine their share of taxes. Taxpayers are responsible for determining their tax liability, submitting their returns, and paying any outstanding taxes. They can choose to do so on their own or with the aid of a tax professional.
However, the CRA understands that errors and omissions in tax reporting are bound to occur. As a result, it conducts audits on a select percentage of Canadians every year to ensure compliance with applicable tax laws is observed.
When the CRA initiates an audit on your taxes, it means they want to verify that the claims you’ve made on your tax returns are accurate and in accordance with the tax code. An audit typically entails providing proof of income and expenses in the form of receipts, bank statements, accounting records, and other documentation. An auditor examines all of these documents and then presents their findings to the CRA.
It’s important to note that the CRA isn’t only targeting taxpayers who are engaging in tax evasion – they want to help fix innocent mistakes people make on their tax returns. In some cases, the audit may reveal a person overpaid their taxes and is entitled to a refund. The CRA’s goal with tax audits is to maintain the integrity and fairness of the Canadian tax code, ensuring individuals pay what they owe, no more and no less.
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When it comes to the CRA, no one is exempt from scrutiny – you can be audited any time. However, if you fall into one of the following categories, your chance of being audited increases:
If you’re self-employed, you’re essentially operating a small business, which means your tax return is likely more complex than a standard T4. The CRA may wish to verify that you’ve reported all your income and deducted your expenses correctly.
Your home address may sometimes arouse suspicion from the CRA. Suppose you live in an affluent neighbourhood in an expensive house but report a relatively modest income on your tax return. The CRA may wonder if you’re earning more money than you’re reporting.
Business and rental losses can be legally offset against your taxable income, reducing your tax liability. However, suppose your losses keep recurring year after year. In that case, the CRA could suspect you’re “manufacturing” them by deliberately selling assets at a loss. They may also wonder if you’re operating a hobby business as if it were a legitimate commercial activity. If your business is primarily a hobby, with no reasonable expectation of turning a profit, the tax code prohibits you from deducting any associated losses against your taxable income.
If the CRA spots discrepancies between the details on your tax returns and information provided by third parties (such as your employer), this could spark an audit. For example, suppose the income from your T4 slip exceeds what you reported on your tax return. In that case, you may have received additional taxable benefits from your employer during the year, which you omitted when filing your taxes.
Does your income fluctuate widely from year to year? Do you constantly switch jobs while juggling freelance work on the side and use tax credits and deductions inconsistently? If so, your chances of getting audited are higher. Given your erratic income stream, the CRA may wish to review your records to ensure your reporting is accurate.
Financial institutions are required by law to report to the CRA wire transfers of $10,000 or more. If you’ve been the recipient or sender of numerous wire transfers in that dollar amount, the CRA may wish to examine the nature of those transactions.
What exactly happens if the CRA has chosen to audit you? And what’s involved in the process? The following is an outline of what a typical CRA audit entails.
A representative from the CRA will contact you by phone, informing you of the upcoming audit process and where and when it will take place. You may receive a notice in the mail instead of a phone call.
The audit will likely take place at your home or your business premises. An on-site audit at your principal residence is ideal, as it allows you to gather the essential documentation without having to transport it to a CRA-designated office.
If an on-site audit is not possible, it will be scheduled at a CRA office.
Depending on the scope of the audit, you may need to supply the auditor with a wide array of documents and detailed information, including:
In addition, the auditor is permitted by law to inspect your family members’ records or obtain additional insight about your business by interviewing your employees.
Upon completion of their analysis, the auditor will make one of two conclusions:
You have 30 days to file a dispute if you disagree with the auditor’s findings. Be sure to contact the auditor to explain your position and provide all the necessary additional documentation to corroborate your case.
Once the audit is fully complete, the CRA will issue you one final letter informing you of the results and any action required. One of three scenarios is possible.
Audits are routine for the CRA. They are necessary to ensure that Canadians are following the tax code and reporting their incomes and expenses accurately. Still, they can be intrusive, time-consuming, and, in extreme cases, inflict a psychological and emotional toll.
Always anticipate you may be audited one day. Being aware of this possibility will incentivize you to maintain your tax filings and related documentation in good order, to present them if the need arises. The better prepared you are, the quicker and easier it’ll be for the auditor to review your records, make an assessment, and close the audit. And who knows, you might even end up with a refund!
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Mark is a writer who specializes in writing content for companies in the financial services industry. He has written articles about personal finance, mortgages, and real estate and is passionate about educating people on how to make smart financial decisions. Mark graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology with a degree in finance and has more than ten years' experience as an accountant. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing poker, going to the gym, composing music, and learning about digital marketing.
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