How to Get Your Notice of Assessment in Canada (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve filed your taxes in Canada, one of the most important documents you’ll receive afterward is your Notice of Assessment (NOA). It’s more than just a summary—it confirms what the government has accepted, adjusted, or questioned in your tax return.

Yet, many individuals and small business owners are unclear about how to access it, how long it takes, and what to do if something looks off.

This guide breaks it all down in a clear, practical way—so you know exactly how to get your Notice of Assessment, what it means, and how to use it moving forward.

What is a Notice of Assessment (NOA)?

A Notice of Assessment is an official statement issued by the Canada Revenue Agency after they review your income tax return.

It includes:

• Your assessed income
• Total tax payable or refund amount
• Any changes made by CRA
• RRSP deduction limit for the next year
• Carryforward amounts (tuition, losses, credits)

Think of it as the final word on your tax return for that year—unless you decide to dispute it.

Why Your Notice of Assessment Matters

Your NOA isn’t just a record; it plays an important role in your financial planning and compliance.

Here’s why it matters:

• Proof of income for loans, mortgages, or government benefits
• RRSP contribution room for tax-saving strategies
• Carry forward credits like tuition or capital losses
• Audit reference point if CRA reviews your filings later
• Error detection in case something doesn’t match your return

For small business owners and startups, this document becomes even more critical when managing tax planning and cash flow.

When Will You Receive Your Notice of Assessment?

The timeline depends on how you file your tax return.

If you file online (NETFILE):

• Typically, within 2 weeks

If you file a paper return:

• Around 8 weeks or more

Delays can happen if:

• Your return is flagged for review
• Information is missing
• There are discrepancies in reported income

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Notice of Assessment in Canada

Let’s walk through the exact steps depending on your preferred method.

Method 1: Access Your NOA Through CRA My Account (Fastest Way)

This is the quickest and most reliable way to access your Notice of Assessment.

Steps:

1. Go to the CRA website and log in to CRA My Account
2. If you don’t have an account, register using your SIN and tax information
3. Once logged in, click on “Tax Returns”
4. Select the relevant tax year
5. Click “Notice of Assessment”
6. Download or print the PDF for your records

Pro Tip:
You can also opt for email notifications to know when your NOA is ready.

Method 2: Check Through Your Tax Software

If you filed your taxes using software like TurboTax or Wealthsimple Tax, you may be able to access your NOA directly within the platform.

Steps:

1. Log in to your tax software account
2. Navigate to your filed return
3. Look for “Assessment” or “CRA Documents”
4. Download your Notice of Assessment

Method 3: Receive It by Mail

If you haven’t signed up for online communication, CRA will send your NOA by post.

What to expect:

• A printed copy delivered to your registered mailing address
• Longer wait time compared to online access

Method 4: Through Your Accountant or Tax Professional

If you worked with a CPA firm like Mehra CPA, your accountant can access your NOA on your behalf (with proper authorization).

This is especially helpful if:

• You’re not comfortable navigating CRA portals
• You want professional review and tax planning insights
• You need help resolving discrepancies

What Information is Included in Your NOA?

Your Notice of Assessment contains several important sections:

• Summary of your tax return
• Refund or balance owing
• RRSP deduction limit statement
• Carryforward amounts
• Explanation of changes (if any)

It’s worth reviewing this carefully—not just saving it for records.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

Even though CRA processes millions of returns, issues can still arise.

1. Differences Between Filed Return and NOA

If CRA made adjustments:

• Compare line-by-line changes
• Check for missing income slips (like T4, T5)
• Review deductions and credits

2. Delay in Receiving NOA

• Check your CRA account status
• Confirm submission was successful
• Contact CRA if delays exceed expected timelines

3. Disagree with Your NOA?

You can file a Notice of Objection within 90 days.

How to Download and Save Your NOA (Best Practices)

• Always download a PDF copy
• Store it securely (cloud + local backup)
• Keep records for at least 6 years
• Share with your accountant for planning

How Your NOA Impacts Your Future Taxes

Your Notice of Assessment is not just about the past—it directly affects your future filings.

Here’s how:

• Determines your RRSP contribution room
• Tracks unused tax credits
• Helps in tax planning strategies
• Supports loan applications and financial approvals

For business owners, it also ties into broader financial reporting and decision-making.

Why Work with a CPA for Your Notice of Assessment?

While accessing your NOA is straightforward, understanding and using it effectively is where most people miss out.

A CPA firm can help you:

• Identify missed tax-saving opportunities
• Ensure compliance with CRA regulations
• Plan ahead for future tax years
• Handle disputes or reassessments

How Mehra CPA Can Help

At Mehra CPA, we work with small businesses, startups, and individuals across Canada to simplify tax compliance and maximize financial clarity.

Here’s how we support you:

• End-to-end tax filing and assessment review
• Proactive tax planning strategies
• Support with CRA notices and objections
• Personalized guidance based on your financial goals

If you’ve received your Notice of Assessment and aren’t sure what to do next, we’ll help you turn it into actionable insights—not just paperwork.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Notice of Assessment in Canada is simple once you know where to look. The real value comes from understanding what it tells you—and how to use it to your advantage.

Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or running a growing business, staying on top of your NOA puts you in control of your finances.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

1. How do I get my Notice of Assessment in Canada online?

You can access it through CRA My Account by logging in, selecting your tax year, and downloading the document.

2. How long does it take to receive a Notice of Assessment?

Typically, 2 weeks for online filings and up to 8 weeks for paper returns.

3. Can I get my Notice of Assessment immediately after filing?

Not immediately. It’s issued after CRA reviews your return, which usually takes a few days to weeks.

4. What should I do if I didn’t receive my NOA?

Check your CRA My Account first. If it’s not there, confirm your filing status or contact CRA.

5. Is Notice of Assessment proof of income?

Yes, lenders and institutions often accept it as official proof of income.

6. Can I download my Notice of Assessment as a PDF?

Yes, you can download and save it directly from CRA My Account.

7. What if my Notice of Assessment has errors?

Review the changes and file a Notice of Objection within 90 days if needed.

8. Do I need my Notice of Assessment for future tax returns?

Yes, especially for tracking RRSP limits, credits, and carryforward amounts.