CRA Compliance, Audits & Dispute Resolution

Home CRA Compliance, Audits & Dispute Resolution

Catch Up on Late Tax Filings & Resolve Outstanding Tax Issues with the CRA

If you have missed tax filing deadlines or owe back taxes, you are not alone. Many Canadians fall behind on filing due to personal circumstances, financial hardships, or misunderstandings of tax requirements. However, failing to file on time can lead to penalties, interest charges, and potential CRA enforcement actions.

At Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc., we specialize in helping individuals in North Vancouver catch up on late tax filings, reduce penalties, and resolve outstanding tax debts with the CRA. Our goal is to help you become fully compliant while minimizing financial stress and legal risks.

What Happens If You File Taxes Late?

✔ Late Filing Penalties (CRA Penalty on T1 Returns)

  • If you owe taxes and file late, CRA charges a penalty of 5% of your balance owing, plus 1% per month for up to 12 months.
  • Repeated late filings in the past three years increase penalties to 10% + 2% per month for up to 20 months.

✔ Interest on Outstanding Balances

  • CRA applies compound daily interest on unpaid taxes starting the day after the deadline (April 30 for individuals, June 15 for self-employed).

✔ Loss of Tax Benefits & Refunds

  • If you are eligible for benefits like GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), or Old Age Security (OAS), CRA may withhold payments until you file.

✔ CRA Enforcement Actions (Legal Notices & Garnishments)

  • If taxes remain unpaid, CRA can take action such as:
    • Freezing bank accounts
    • Wage garnishments
    • Seizing assets or placing liens on property

✔ Missed RRSP Contribution Room & Tax Credits

  • Late filers may lose access to tax deductions, such as RRSP contribution room and tuition carryforwards.

If you are behind on filing, taking action quickly can help minimize penalties and legal risks.

How to Resolve Late Tax Filings & Back Taxes

✔ Step 1: Gather Your Tax Documents

  • Collect all necessary slips (T4, T5, T4A, RRSP receipts, and investment statements).
  • If documents are missing, CRA’s My Account portal may have copies.

✔ Step 2: File Outstanding Tax Returns

  • Even if you can’t pay your taxes immediately, filing your returns stops additional late-filing penalties.

✔ Step 3: Apply for the Voluntary Disclosures Program (VPD) if Eligible

  • If you voluntarily report past unfiled taxes, CRA may waive penalties and reduce interest.
  • Eligibility requires that the disclosure be voluntary (before CRA contacts you) and that the return be complete and accurate.

✔ Step 4: Arrange a Payment Plan with CRA

  • If you cannot pay your balance in full, CRA may allow monthly installment payments.
  • Interest continues to accrue, but setting up a formal payment plan prevents CRA collections.

✔ Step 5: Request Taxpayer Relief for Penalty & Interest Reduction

  • In cases of financial hardship, medical conditions, or CRA errors, you can apply for relief from penalties and interest.
  • Each request is reviewed case by case, and proper documentation is required.

✔ Step 6: Prevent Future Late Filings

  • Setting up pre-authorized tax installments, RRSP contributions, and automatic reminders can help you stay compliant moving forward.

How Westview Helps You Resolve Late Filings & Tax Debt Issues

🔹 Filing Late Tax Returns Quickly & Accurately—We ensure your past-due returns are filed correctly to stop further penalties.
🔹 Voluntary Disclosures Program (VPD) Applications—If eligible, we help you apply for penalty reductions through CRA’s voluntary disclosure program.
🔹 Taxpayer Relief Requests for Penalty & Interest Reduction – If you qualify, we assist in submitting formal CRA requests for penalty relief.
🔹 Negotiating Payment Plans with CRA—We help set up affordable tax payment plans to prevent collections or legal action.
🔹 Stopping Wage Garnishments & CRA Collections – We work with CRA on your behalf to prevent or resolve legal actions against you.
🔹 Year-Round Tax Compliance & Future Filing Assistance – We ensure you stay on top of tax deadlines to avoid future issues.

Why Work with Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc.?

✅ Specialized in BC Late Tax Filing & CRA Dispute Resolution—We help North Vancouver residents resolve outstanding tax debts.
✅ Reduce Penalties & Avoid CRA Legal Actions – We take proactive steps to minimize tax penalties and collections risk.
✅ Fast, Confidential, & Non-Judgmental Service – We understand tax problems happen, and we help you resolve them quickly and stress-free.
✅ Comprehensive Tax Support for Late Filers – Need help with missing documents, back taxes, or payment plans? We provide full-service CRA resolution.

Catch Up on Late Taxes & Avoid CRA Penalties—Act Now!

If you have unfiled taxes or outstanding tax debts, ignoring the problem will only increase penalties and CRA enforcement actions. Let Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc. help you file past-due returns, reduce penalties, and negotiate with CRA to find a manageable solution in North Vancouver, BC.

📞 Contact Us Today! Get expert help with late tax filing & back taxes resolution!

Fix Errors & Amend Your Past Tax Returns to Avoid CRA Issues

Mistakes on tax returns are common, whether it’s missing income, unclaimed deductions, or incorrect tax credits. If you’ve filed your taxes and later realized there was an error, it’s important to correct it before CRA contacts you. Amending your tax return can help you avoid penalties, claim additional refunds, and ensure your tax filings remain accurate and compliant.

At Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc., we specialize in correcting past tax filings for individuals in North Vancouver, BC, ensuring that any missed deductions, incorrect reporting, or unfiled tax credits are properly updated with CRA.

When Should You Adjust a Tax Return?

✔ Forgot to Report Income (T4, T4A, T5, T3, etc.)

  • If you missed reporting employment income, dividends, or investment earnings, CRA may flag your return and charge penalties.

✔ Missed a Tax Credit or Deduction

  • If you forgot to claim medical expenses, tuition credits, RRSP contributions, or other deductions, you may be eligible for a higher refund.

✔ Incorrect Tax Slips (Employer or Financial Institution Errors)

  • If your T4, T5, or T4A slip was incorrect or revised, you must update your tax return to reflect the accurate amount.

✔ Overpaid Taxes & Need a Refund Adjustment

  • If you overreported income or underclaimed deductions, you may be entitled to a refund adjustment.

✔ Claiming Unused Tax Credits or Carryforward Balances

  • Some credits, such as tuition, capital losses, or RRSP contributions, can be carried forward. If they weren’t applied correctly, a tax adjustment may be needed.

✔ Incorrect Marital Status or Dependent Claims

  • If you incorrectly claimed dependents, spouse credits, or missed family tax benefits, CRA may require a correction.

✔ Changes Due to Reassessments or CRA Requests

  • If CRA has sent you a Notice of Reassessment, you may need to dispute the adjustment or file additional corrections.

The sooner errors are corrected, the better. If CRA finds an error first, they may reassess your taxes and apply penalties.

How to Correct a Tax Return in Canada?

✔ Step 1: Identify the Error & Gather Documentation

  • Review your original tax return and compare it with updated tax slips or records.
  • Collect supporting documents such as receipts, revised T4s, RRSP contribution slips, or expense statements.

✔ Step 2: Submit a Tax Adjustment Request (T1-ADJ Form or Online via CRA My Account)

  • The T1 Adjustment Request (T1-ADJ) Form is used to correct past tax filings.
  • Adjustments can also be submitted online through CRA’s My Account portal.

✔ Step 3: CRA Reviews & Processes the Adjustment

  • CRA typically takes 8-12 weeks to process adjustments.
  • If CRA requires more details, they may request additional supporting documents.

✔ Step 4: Receive Your Updated Notice of Reassessment

  • Once CRA processes the change, they will send a Notice of Reassessment, which will confirm any new balance owed or refund adjustments.

✔ Step 5: Dispute or Appeal CRA Adjustments (If Necessary)

  • If you disagree with a CRA reassessment, you may file a formal objection within 90 days.
  • In some cases, CRA may allow taxpayer relief applications to reduce penalties.

How Westview Helps with Tax Adjustments & Corrections

🔹 Identifying Errors & Missed Deductions – We review your previous tax filings and identify potential errors or unclaimed benefits.
🔹 Filing T1 Adjustment Requests with CRA – We handle all paperwork and submissions to ensure your tax return is properly corrected.
🔹 Providing Supporting Documentation to CRA – If additional documents are needed, we compile and submit all required proof.
🔹 Appealing CRA Reassessments & Disputes – If CRA has reassessed your return unfairly, we help you file an appeal or dispute the adjustment.
🔹 Ensuring Your Tax Returns Are Fully CRA-Compliant – We prevent future issues by ensuring accurate and complete tax filings.

Why Work with Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc.?

✅ Specialized in BC Tax Adjustments & Reassessments – We help North Vancouver residents fix past tax returns quickly.
✅ Maximize Your Refunds & Reduce Tax Owed – If you’ve missed deductions or overpaid taxes, we ensure you get the refund you deserve.
✅ Fast, Hassle-Free Tax Correction Services – We take care of all the paperwork and CRA correspondence for you.
✅ Comprehensive Tax Support – Need help with late filings, back taxes, or tax disputes? We provide full-service tax resolution.

Fix Your Tax Return Mistakes & Maximize Your Refund!

If you’ve discovered an error on a past tax return, it’s important to correct it as soon as possible to avoid CRA penalties or missed refunds. Let Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc. handle your tax return adjustments and corrections, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and maximum tax benefits in North Vancouver, BC. 📞 Contact Us Today! Get expert help with tax return adjustments & corrections!

Protect Yourself from CRA Audits & Resolve Tax Disputes with Confidence

Receiving a CRA audit notice or a reassessment letter can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure how to respond. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has the authority to review tax returns, request additional information, and reassess taxes owed. If handled incorrectly, audits and disputes can lead to increased tax bills, penalties, or even legal action.

At Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc., we provide professional CRA audit representation and dispute resolution services for individuals in North Vancouver, BC. We communicate with CRA on your behalf, prepare necessary documents, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the audit process.

Why Does CRA Audit Taxpayers?

CRA selects taxpayers for audits or reassessments based on various triggers, including:

✔ Unusual Deductions or Large Tax Refunds – Claiming excessive business expenses, medical deductions, or charitable donations may trigger an audit.
✔ Self-Employment & Small Business Income (T2125 – Statement of Business or Professional Activities) – The CRA closely reviews self-employed individuals for unreported cash income, excessive write-offs, or GST/HST non-compliance.
✔ Rental Property Income (T776 – Statement of Real Estate Rentals) – Large rental losses or incorrect expense claims can lead to audits.
✔ Inconsistent Income Reporting (T4, T4A, T5, T3 Slips) – If your reported income doesn’t match CRA records, an audit may follow.
✔ Unreported Foreign Income (T1135 – Foreign Income Verification Statement) – If you own foreign bank accounts, real estate, or investments, CRA may investigate unreported assets.
✔ Past Tax Filings with Errors or Late Submissions – Taxpayers who have a history of late or incorrect tax filings are at higher risk.
✔ Third-Party Tips or Red Flags – CRA may initiate an audit based on anonymous tips or financial inconsistencies.

If CRA contacts you for an audit or reassessment, it is crucial to respond promptly and professionally to avoid penalties or further investigation.

How the CRA Audit Process Works

✔ Step 1: Audit Notification Letter

  • CRA sends a formal notice informing you that your tax return is under review.
  • This letter will specify the year(s) being audited and the type of documents required.

✔ Step 2: Information Request

  • CRA may request bank statements, invoices, receipts, contracts, or financial records to verify your tax return.
  • Failure to provide records can result in a CRA reassessment or additional tax owed.

✔ Step 3: CRA Audit Review & Decision

  • After reviewing documents, CRA may accept your return as filed or issue a Notice of Reassessment.
  • If you disagree with the reassessment, you can file a dispute (Notice of Objection).

✔ Step 4: Resolving Tax Disputes & Filing an Objection

  • If CRA’s reassessment is incorrect or unfair, you have 90 days to file a formal objection (T400A – Notice of Objection).
  • The CRA Appeals Division will review your objection and may adjust or overturn the reassessment.

✔ Step 5: Taxpayer Relief Applications & Further Appeals

  • If you face severe financial hardship, you may request penalty & interest relief through a Taxpayer Relief Application.
  • If CRA denies your objection, you may appeal to the Tax Court of Canada.

Responding quickly and strategically can help prevent higher taxes, penalties, and legal enforcement.

How Westview Helps with CRA Audits & Tax Disputes

🔹 Handling All CRA Audit Communications & Requests – We respond to CRA letters, requests for documents, and audit notifications on your behalf.
🔹 Preparing & Submitting Required Documents – We ensure all supporting receipts, financial records, and tax filings are properly submitted.
🔹 Disputing CRA Reassessments & Filing Objections (T400A) – If CRA’s assessment is incorrect, we file formal objections to reduce taxes owed.
🔹 Negotiating Penalty & Interest Relief with CRA – We apply for Taxpayer Relief Requests if financial hardship applies.
🔹 Defending Against CRA Collections, Wage Garnishments & Bank Freezes – We negotiate affordable payment arrangements to prevent aggressive CRA actions.

If you don’t respond to a CRA audit or dispute a reassessment, the CRA will finalize its decision, and collection actions may follow.

Why Work with Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc.?

✅ Experienced in CRA Audits & Tax Dispute Resolution – We help North Vancouver residents handle audits quickly and effectively.
✅ Protect Your Rights & Minimize Tax Liability – We ensure you pay only what you legally owe—no more.
✅ Fast & Professional CRA Representation – We communicate directly with CRA so you don’t have to.
✅ Comprehensive Tax Support – Need help with late filings, tax audits, or tax debt negotiations? We offer full-service tax resolution.

Defend Yourself Against CRA Audits & Tax Disputes – Act Now!

A CRA audit or reassessment doesn’t have to mean more taxes owed. Let Westview Accounting & Tax Services Inc. handle your CRA audit representation, tax dispute resolution, and objection filings, ensuring that your rights are protected and your tax burden minimized in North Vancouver, BC.

📞 Contact Us Today! Get expert CRA audit representation & tax dispute resolution services!