So, you filed your taxes… and then you realized something was wrong.
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Maybe you forgot to include a T4 slip. Maybe you claimed the wrong amount for an RRSP contribution. Or maybe you left out a deduction that could’ve saved you hundreds of dollars.
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First things first — don’t panic. Mistakes happen, and the good news is, you can fix them. In fact, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has a clear process for correcting tax returns.
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Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Wait for Your Notice of Assessment
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As tempting as it is to fix things right away, you need to wait until the CRA processes your return and sends you a Notice of Assessment.
This document confirms:
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That your return was received and processed
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Whether you’re getting a refund or owe taxes
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Any changes CRA made to your return
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Once you have this notice, you can go ahead and request a change.
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Step 2: Gather the Correct Information
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Before you request any corrections, make sure you have the right numbers or documents in front of you. That might mean:
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A missing T4 or T5 slip
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An updated RRSP contribution receipt
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Proof of medical expenses, tuition, or donations
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Receipts for business or employment expenses
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You don’t have to send the documents in right away, but if CRA asks for proof later, you’ll want to have it ready.
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Step 3: Request a Change to Your Return
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There are a few ways to correct a mistake on your return:
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Option 1: Online Through CRA My Account
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This is the easiest and fastest way.
Log in to CRA My Account, select “Change My Return,” and follow the steps. You can correct most line items directly online.
Option 2: Use CRA’s Form T1-ADJ (T1 Adjustment Request)
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If you prefer a paper trail, you can fill out the T1-ADJ form and mail it to the CRA with a letter explaining the mistake and what needs to be corrected. Include any supporting documents if needed.
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Step 4: Wait for a Response
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Once you submit your correction, CRA will review it. This can take anywhere from a few days (if online) to several weeks (if by mail), depending on how busy they are and how complex the correction is.
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If CRA agrees with your correction, they’ll send you a Notice of Reassessment, which updates your tax return and shows your new balance, refund, or tax owing.
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Bonus: Fixing Multiple Years
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You can fix returns from up to 10 years ago. So if you missed something in a previous year — like a deduction or a forgotten slip — it’s not too late to correct it and possibly get more money back.
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Need Help? Our CPAs Can Fix It for You
If you’re not sure what to correct, or you just want a professional to take care of it:
We offer tax correction and amendment services with a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) for $150 CAD.
This includes:
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Reviewing your tax return for missed deductions or errors
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Submitting corrections securely to CRA
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Answering any follow-up questions from CRA
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Helping you avoid similar mistakes in the future with smart tax planning
We take the stress off your shoulders — and help you get it right.

