Do you think that you’re facing a potential tax audit? Are you concerned that you won’t be prepared if you are notified that you’re being audited? The best preparation is to have a relationship already established with a knowledgeable tax audit assistance team well in advance of receiving any of these notices so that you can respond professionally and promptly.
How Can a Tax Audit Professional Help Me?
No one wants to be the recipient of news that they’re being audited, but it’s far worse if you don’t get help from a tax audit specialist sooner rather than later. Your tax audit assistance person can help you prepare all the necessary paperwork and to navigate this situation so that you feel as comfortable as possible and know all avenues available to you as the audit unfolds.
Dealing with a CRA audit is incredibly stressful and can end up being very expensive, a professional can help you through this process by saving you time, money, and giving you peace of mind. A tax audit professional can help by getting audited financial statements organized and reviewing them, which can help you win your case against the CRA.
What is the Tax Audit Process?
You will be notified if your tax record has been selected for an audit. You will be informed by phone, through the mail, or through both about the date and location. An on-site audit will usually take place at your personal residence. It is best to be as organized as possible when this is scheduled and having all your paperwork set up to go since this will make the process faster. Having a tax audit assistance professional help you sort through this information is key to protecting your interests. Electronic copies of your paperwork might be made; if any of your documents are taken you should get a receipt for these. Auditors cannot receive information from you over email, but there are possible secure options for you online.
What Are My Options When Faced with a CRA Audit?
One of the options someone has when they are faced with a CRA audit is they can challenge the audit. You need to have strong evidence in your favor and the support of an experienced professional tax audit assistance team to navigate challenges like this. You also have the right to appeal the outcome of an audit.
What Are the Red Flags That Might Cause the CRA to Audit Me?
Some of the issues that flag agents are revenue discrepancies, recurring losses, there are major changes from the previous year, what you’re reporting does not match what the CRA is getting from third parties, and more. It can be difficult to tell which issues prompted auditors to look more closely at your file.
What can I do to reduce the chance of being audited by the CRA?
Using a tax audit professional early on helps you ensure that your returns and information are being sent in properly. Having someone at your side who does audit assistance is also helpful since this person will likely challenge what the CRA is saying. Filing all your income tax returns on time is another way to show compliance with the tax laws and minimize your chances of an audit in the future. Since anyone can be subject to an audit, it’s worth having help at your side just in case.
If you are audited by the CRA, having easily accessible books and documents to support your claims will make it easier to show that you submitted the accurate information to begin with. The CRA is looking for discrepancies and showing that you have kept things orderly and supported by outside professionals makes it easier to broach this process.
Tax Audit Assistance FAQ
- How long does an audit take?
An audit can take anywhere from a few weeks to months or even years depending on the complexity of the information involved. Being organized on your end can make the process go faster, but there will also be delays if you challenge what the CRA says.
- Does the CRA review every tax return?
While the CRA does process every tax return, this does not mean they audit every tax return. Due to this, you should always be aware of the potential to be audited by the CRA.
- Can you negotiate with CRA?
In some cases, you can appeal what the CRA says. However, you need a savvy tax audit professional at your side to help you determine when there are other options available to you and how you can use them.
