T1-ADJ Tax Return Adjustment Request | Avoid a Penalty

To err is human. This is why many taxpayers make mistakes filling out complex tax forms. Knowing that mistakes will happen, how can you correct it and adjust a tax return you have already filed? If you are an individual taxpayer, what you need to do is file a T1 Adjustment Request. The CRA allows individual taxpayers to adjust tax returns filed going back up to 10 years.

This is a relatively simple procedure in most cases. You can obtain the T1 ADJ form from the CRA website. The form has 4 sections, A to D. Section A requires you to identify yourself by providing your name, SIN, address, and the tax year you want to adjust. Part C contains the adjustment details and has spaces for the line number, the previous amount, the amount of change requested, and the revised amount. You will also be required to provide a detailed explanation of why the change is requested. Section D requires you to certify that the information given is correct and complete.

Once the CRA receives your adjustment request, it will review the changes requested. This can take 2-8 weeks (or longer). Once the CRA’s review is done, you will get a notice of reassessment showing any changes as well as a letter explaining why or why not the changes you rested were made or not made. If you disagree with the outcome of your request, you’ll have to file a Notice of Objection to try and correct any mistakes that the CRA refused to adjust.