I’ve Filed My Taxes—What Happens Next?

Mark Virgil Lofranco • 12 November 2024

If you’ve filed your taxes and might be expecting a refund, great job! The hard part is over, and now it’s the CRA’s turn. Here’s a guide to what comes next and how to stay on top of things after filing your taxes.



Missed the Deadline? Don’t Stress.

If you didn’t file your taxes on time, it’s not the end of the world. You can still file on your own or with the help of an expert. Plus, our tax calculations are 100% accurate, guaranteed*.


When Will I Get My Tax Refund?

The timing of your refund depends on how you filed:

  • If you used the CRA’s NETFILE system and submitted online, your refund could arrive within 2 weeks.
  • If you filed by mail, expect a wait of up to 8 weeks.
  • Non-residents or individuals living outside Canada may have to wait up to 16 weeks for their refund.
  • If your return is selected for review or audit, that could also delay your refund.

Tip: To speed up your refund, set up direct deposit with the CRA.


What Should I Do with My Tax Refund?

Receiving a tax refund feels great! While the temptation to spend it is real, there are smarter ways to use that windfall, like paying off debt, saving for future goals, or investing in your business. Check out our 7 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund for more ideas.


When Will I Receive My Notice of Assessment (NOA)?

After filing your return, the CRA will send you a Notice of Assessment (NOA), which confirms your return has been processed. If you filed online, expect your NOA via CRA Online Mail in about 2 weeks. For paper returns, it may take up to 8 weeks.

The NOA will summarize your income, credits, and deductions, as well as let you know whether you’re owed a refund or have a balance to pay. If you’re in a hurry, consider using services like TurboTax Full Service for faster NOA delivery.


Can I Amend My Tax Return After Filing?

Mistakes happen! If you forgot to include something, like an RRSP contribution or investment income, don’t worry. You can make adjustments to your return. However, wait until you receive your NOA before filing a correction to keep things clean on the CRA’s end.

The CRA might even catch some mistakes and adjust your return for you. If not, you can file an adjustment request online or by mail once you’ve received your NOA.

Tip: Since the CRA only allows one refile per year, make sure all your changes are accurate before submitting the adjustment.


What If I Have a Balance Owing?

If your NOA shows a balance due, it’s best to pay it off quickly to avoid penalties and interest. The easiest way to pay is through online banking, but the CRA offers multiple payment options.

If you’re unable to pay the full amount, contact the CRA as soon as possible. They may help you arrange a payment plan or defer payment, though interest and penalties for late filing will still apply.



What If I Receive a Letter from the CRA?

If the CRA sends you a letter saying your tax return is being reviewed, don’t panic! A review is not the same as an audit. It’s often just a routine check where they ask for receipts or documents to verify a claim or deduction.

To resolve the review quickly, provide the requested documents as soon as possible. You can even submit them online using your MyCRA account.


What If I Get Audited?

Hearing the word audit can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no need to worry. An audit simply means the CRA is verifying the claims made on your tax return. They will cross-check your reported income, deductions, and credits against your supporting documents.


Tip: If you’re concerned about handling an audit, consider using services like TurboTax Audit Defense. This feature provides full representation and takes care of the CRA on your behalf during an audit.


Should I Keep My Tax Return for Future Reference?

Before tossing out old tax documents, remember the CRA expects you to keep your tax returns and supporting documents for six years. This is in case they decide to review your return during that period. The six years starts from the end of the tax year the return relates to (e.g., you can destroy 2021 tax records at the end of 2027).


Now that you’ve filed your taxes, most of the hard work is behind you. Take a breather, keep an eye out for your NOA, and give yourself credit for checking taxes off your to-do list!


Key Takeaways

  • Your tax refund can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on how you filed.
  • You can make adjustments to your tax return if needed, but it’s best to wait until you’ve received your Notice of Assessment (NOA).
  • Keep your tax returns and supporting documents for six years in case the CRA requests them for revie

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