A CRA Notice of Assessment is the official summary you receive from the Canada Revenue Agency after your tax return is reviewed. It confirms whether you owe taxes, are entitled to a refund, or if changes were made to your return. This document also provides essential details for financial planning, including your RRSP contribution limit.
What Is a CRA Notice of Assessment?
The CRA Notice of Assessment acts as a receipt for your tax return. It outlines:
- Your account summary
- Tax assessment details
- Changes or corrections made to your return
- RRSP/PRPP deduction limit
- Home Buyers’ Plan balance
- Lifelong Learning Plan statement
The Notice of Assessment is linked to your Social Insurance Number (SIN), so it is important to keep it in a safe place for future use.
How to Get Your CRA Notice of Assessment
You can receive your Notice of Assessment in two ways:
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →- By mail – Sent to the mailing address on your tax return.
- Online via CRA My Account – If you signed up for CRA Online Mail, you will receive a notification to view your NOA online.
If you use NETFILE or EFILE certified software, you may also access your NOA immediately through the Express Notice of Assessment (Express NOA) service.
How to Get Another Copy of Your CRA Notice of Assessment
If you lose your Notice of Assessment, you can request another copy:
- CRA My Account – View and print NOAs from the current and previous 3 years.
- MyCRA mobile app – Access assessment notices issued after February 9, 2015.
- By phone – Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to request a mailed copy. You must verify your identity by answering questions about a prior return.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a CRA Notice of Assessment?
Processing times depend on how you filed your return:
- NETFILE or EFILE – Up to 2 weeks.
- Paper return by mail – 4 to 6 weeks.
- Filed after the tax deadline – May take up to 8 weeks.
- Non-residents – Up to 16 weeks.
Why Your CRA Notice of Assessment Matters
Your NOA is not only a record of your taxes but also a key financial document. It is often required for:
- Applying for mortgages or loans
- Confirming income for government programs
- Planning RRSP and TFSA contributions
- Tracking Home Buyers’ Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan repayments
The NOA also includes your NETFILE Access Code (NAC), which helps verify your identity when filing online.
What to Do if the CRA Makes Changes
If the CRA adjusts your return, the changes will be listed in your Notice of Assessment with explanations. In most cases, you do not need to take action unless you disagree. If the changes appear unclear or incorrect, you can contact the CRA for clarification.
