Understanding the Duration of CRA Reassessment: A Comprehensive Guide

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) carries out regular assessments and reassessments to ensure fairness in the taxation system. Through these reassessments, the CRA double-checks the information on your return and sometimes asks additional questions. But how long does this process take? Do the reassessment timelines vary when applying through the website, mobile app, or call center? Let's delve into this.

CRA Reassessment through CRA Website

The CRA's website is a user-friendly portal designed to help you keep track of your reassessment progress. To initiate the reassessment process, you firstly need to log in to My Account on the CRA website. Here, you can submit all necessary documents and forms.

Once submitted, the CRA often takes about eight weeks to process your request and initiate the reassessment. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your reassessment and the time of the year. During tax season, it can take a bit longer due to high volumes of submissions.

CRA Reassessment via Mobile App

The CRA has developed a mobile app, MyCRA, to streamline the process for taxpayers. Just like the website, you can initiate a reassessment through the mobile app by navigating to the reassessment option and uploading relevant documents.

Typically, the process duration via the mobile app doesn't differ significantly from the website. Again, the CRA aims to process the reassessment within eight weeks. It's recommended to routinely check your account for updates though, as some requests may take longer, especially during busy periods.

CRA Reassessment through the Call Centre

If you prefer a human touch to your reassessment process, the CRA call center is an alternative option. Here, you can explain your situation in detail to a representative and ask relevant questions about the reassessment process.

Once your phone request is lodged, the CRA's processing time doesn't change much. It generally still hovers around 6 to 8 weeks. However, bear in mind, the wait times to speak to a representative can differ greatly based on call volumes, which doesn’t reflect in the reassessment period itself.

Conclusion

While there's no way to definitively state how long your CRA reassessment will take, you can generally expect it to be processed within two months. Regardless of whether you choose to submit your reassessment through the website, mobile app, or call center, the processing time tends to be approximately the same. Each method provides its own set of advantages, so choose the one that best fits your preferences and needs.

Regularly monitoring your request status, ensuring all the correct documents are submitted, and applying outside of peak periods can help speed up the process. If you still have questions, consider consulting with a tax advisor or reaching out to the CRA for specific guidance.