How to Get My Notice of Assessment from CRA: Complete Guide
Your Notice of Assessment is an official document from the Canada Revenue Agency that confirms your tax return has been processed.
You can get your Notice of Assessment by logging into CRA My Account online, using the MyCRA mobile app, or requesting a paper copy by phone or mail.
Getting this document quickly matters for mortgage applications, loan approvals, and checking your RRSP contribution room.
Many Canadians don't realize how easy it is to access their Notice of Assessment online.
You don't need to wait weeks for mail delivery or spend time on hold with the CRA.
The digital version is available shortly after your return is processed.
This guide walks you through each method of getting your Notice of Assessment.
You'll learn how to access it online, what information it contains, and what to do if you spot errors or need copies from previous years.
What Is a Notice of Assessment from CRA?
A Notice of Assessment is an official document that the Canada Revenue Agency sends you after processing your income tax return.
It confirms the CRA's calculation of your taxes and tells you whether you owe money or will receive a refund.
Purpose and Importance
Your NOA serves as the government's official response to your tax return.
It acts as proof that the CRA has reviewed and processed your filing.
The document confirms your tax refund amount or any balance you owe.
If the CRA made changes to what you submitted, your NOA explains these adjustments and why they happened.
You'll need your Notice of Assessment for several important financial tasks.
Banks and lenders require it when you apply for a mortgage or loan because it proves your income.
Some government programs also ask for your NOA to verify your earnings from the previous year.
The date shown on your NOA marks when the notice was mailed to you. This mailing date starts a three-year period during which the Canada Revenue Agency can typically reassess your return under normal circumstances. However, this reassessment period may be different for Canadian-controlled private corporations or in cases involving fraud or misrepresentation.
The mailing date also gives you a specific timeframe to formally object if you disagree with any changes the CRA made. For individuals, you can file a Notice of Objection within whichever is later: 90 days from the mailing date of your NOA, or one year after the filing deadline for that tax return.
Key Information Included
Your Notice of Assessment contains several pieces of information you'll need for future tax planning.
The document shows your RRSP deduction limit for the next year, which tells you how much you can contribute to your retirement savings.
It lists carry-forward amounts like unused tuition credits and capital losses.
The NETFILE Access Code appears on your CRA Notice of Assessment.
This 8-character code helps verify your identity when you file electronically or contact the CRA.
Your tax assessment summary breaks down your total income, the deductions and credits you claimed, and the final amount of tax you owe or will get back.
Difference Between NOA and Notice of Reassessment
The CRA sends a Notice of Assessment after they first process your tax return.
This happens once per tax year unless changes occur later.
A notice of reassessment only arrives if the Canada Revenue Agency makes additional changes to your already-assessed return.
You might receive one if the CRA discovers new information or if you request changes yourself.
Both documents contain similar information, but a notice of reassessment updates your original assessment.
The reassessment shows what changed from your first NOA and explains why the adjustment happened.
When and How the CRA Issues Your Notice of Assessment
The CRA sends your Notice of Assessment after they process your income tax return.
Timing and delivery methods vary based on how you filed.
Understanding when to expect your NOA and how it arrives helps you plan ahead for any financial needs that require this document.
Assessment Timeline After Filing
The CRA processes your tax return faster when you file electronically compared to paper filing.
If you use NETFILE or EFILE to submit your return, your official Notice of Assessment typically becomes available in your CRA My Account within two to four business days after the CRA processes your return.
Paper returns take longer, usually eight to twelve weeks from the date the CRA receives your mail.
Your assessment timeline also depends on when you file during the tax year.
Returns filed close to the tax deadline may take longer to process due to high volumes.
The CRA prioritizes returns in the order they receive them.
You should receive your NOA before the standard processing times if you filed early in the tax season.
Late filers might experience delays that extend beyond the typical timeframes.
The CRA will notify you if they need additional information, which can add weeks to your assessment timeline.
Assessment Methods: Online, Mail, and Express NOA
The CRA delivers your Notice of Assessment through different methods based on your preferences.
If you registered for My Account and chose online mail, your NOA appears in your CRA account after processing.
You can access it any time through the CRA website or the MyCRA mobile app.
Paper notices arrive at your mailing address if you haven't signed up for online mail.
The postal delivery adds extra time to receive your assessment after the CRA completes processing.
Express NOA is available when you file through NETFILE. This service gives you instant confirmation that the CRA accepted your tax return within seconds of filing. You receive a summary of key information right after submitting your return, but this is NOT your official Notice of Assessment.
Important: Express NOA is not accepted by banks or lenders for mortgage applications, loans, or other financial purposes. Financial institutions require your full official Notice of Assessment (the PDF version with the Government of Canada coat of arms) or an Option C Proof of Income Statement, which you can order through your CRA My Account or by calling the CRA.
Your full Notice of Assessment becomes available in your CRA My Account approximately two to four business days later through your chosen delivery method.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Your Notice of Assessment Online
You can get your Notice of Assessment through three main online methods: by signing into your CRA My Account, using the MyCRA mobile app, or through an authorized representative who can access your tax documents on your behalf.
Using CRA My Account
Go to the CRA website and select the CRA sign-in option.
You'll need to register for a CRA account if you don't have one yet.
Choose one of these sign-in partners to access your account:
- Sign-In Partner (such as your bank)
- CRA user ID and password
- Verified.Me by Interac
Once you're signed in, select your Individual account from the options.
Navigate to either the Tax returns or Mail section to find your documents.
You'll see a list of your notices organized by tax year.
Select the Notice of Assessment you need to view.
You can then download a PDF copy to save on your computer or print it for your records.
Your Social Insurance Number and personal information are used to verify your identity during the sign-in process.
All your current and previous year notices are available through this method.
Downloading with the MyCRA Mobile App
Download the MyCRA mobile app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your phone or tablet.
The MyCRA app gives you the same access to your tax information as the website.
Sign in using the same credentials you use for CRA My Account online.
The app lets you view your Notice of Assessment directly on your mobile device.
Tap on the tax returns or mail section to find your notices.
Select the year you need and open the document.
You can save the PDF to your device or share it through email if needed for loan applications or other purposes.
The MyCRA mobile app works worldwide with an internet connection.
This makes it useful when you need to access your Notice of Assessment while travelling or away from a computer.
Retrieving with Authorized Representatives
You can authorize someone to access your tax information through the Represent a Client service.
This person might be an accountant, family member, or tax professional.
The representative needs to be registered with the CRA and have the proper authorization level to view your notices.
You must give permission through your CRA My Account before they can access your documents.
Once authorized, representatives sign into their own Represent a Client account using their CRA credentials.
They select your name from their client list and can view and download your Notice of Assessment on your behalf.
This option works well if you use a tax professional who manages your returns each year.
They can access your NOA without you needing to log in and send it to them separately.
How to Get a Paper Copy of Your Notice of Assessment
If you prefer a physical document or don't have online access, the CRA will mail a paper copy of your notice of assessment directly to you.
You can also request specialized formats to meet accessibility needs.
Requesting by Mail
You need to call the CRA directly to request a paper copy of your notice of assessment.
The phone number is 1-800-959-8281.
When you call, be prepared to verify your identity by providing information such as your Social Insurance Number and details from your most recent tax return.
The CRA will mail your notice to the address they have on file.
If your address has changed, update it before requesting the document to avoid delivery issues.
The paper notice includes all the same information as the online version, including your account summary showing whether you have a refund, balance owing, or nil balance.
Your notice will arrive as letter mail within the standard processing timeframe.
If you have set your mail preferences to online-only delivery in your CRA account, mention during the call that you specifically want a paper copy sent.
Alternative Formats and Special Requests
The CRA offers several accessible formats beyond standard paper copies.
You can request your notice of assessment in digital audio, electronic text, braille, or large print.
Call the same number (1-800-959-8281) to order these alternative formats.
These options are helpful if you have visual impairments or other accessibility requirements.
The CRA processes these requests through the same verification process as standard paper copies.
Each format contains the complete account summary and all assessment details from your original notice.
All alternative format requests are mailed to your address on file at no extra cost.
Understanding the Details On Your Notice of Assessment
Your NOA contains several key sections that show your tax situation for the year.
The account summary shows whether you're getting a refund or have an amount owing, while other sections provide important information about your RRSP contribution room and access codes for future tax filings.
Account Summary and Amount Owing
The account summary appears near the top of your NOA and shows the final result of your tax return.
You'll see one of three outcomes: a refund amount, an amount owing (shown as "Amount due"), or a nil balance if you neither owe money nor receive a refund.
If you have a balance owing, your NOA will show the total amount due.
This includes any current year taxes you owe plus amounts from previous years if applicable.
The CRA also adds penalties and interest charges if your payment is late.
Your tax assessment summary breaks down the line numbers and amounts used to calculate your final balance.
Compare these numbers to what you entered on your tax return to spot any changes the CRA made.
If your tax software or tax expert submitted different amounts than what appears on your NOA, you'll find details in the "Explanation of changes" section.
Tax Refund and Direct Deposit
Your NOA will indicate "Direct deposit" if you're registered to receive payments in your bank account.
If you're not enrolled, it will show "Refund," and the CRA will mail a cheque separately to your address on file.
The refund amount shown is your final amount after the CRA processes all credits, deductions, and any amounts you already paid.
If you paid when filing your return but your NOA still shows a balance owing, your payment may not have been processed yet when the notice was issued.
You can confirm your payment status by signing into your CRA account.
Your refund typically arrives within two weeks if you filed electronically and are set up for direct deposit.
Contribution Limits and Carryforward Amounts
Your NOA shows your RRSP deduction limit for the next tax year.
This is the maximum amount you can contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan and claim as a deduction.
The limit is based on your previous year's income and any unused contribution room.
You'll also see your PRPP (Pooled Registered Pension Plan) information if applicable.
The NOA lists any carry-forward amounts, which are unused credits or deductions you can use in future years.
This includes tuition and education credits you didn't need this year.
If you're participating in the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP), your NOA shows how much you withdrew and what you need to repay.
The CRA tracks these amounts to ensure you meet the repayment schedule.
Your contribution limits adjust based on your T4 and other income slips the CRA has on file.
NETFILE Access Code and Security Features
Your NETFILE access code (NAC) appears on the right side of your NOA.
This eight-character code contains both numbers and letters and lets you file your next tax return electronically through tax software.
While the access code isn't mandatory to use NETFILE, entering it helps confirm your identity with the CRA.
Without it, you'll need to provide other information for authentication when filing your return.
The NAC is unique to you and changes each year.
Keep your NOA in a safe place since this code provides access to your tax information.
If you're filing for the first time, you won't have an access code on your notice.
What to Do If There's an Issue with Your Notice of Assessment
Problems with your notice of assessment can include not receiving it or finding errors in the calculations.
You have options to resolve missing documents, correct mistakes, and challenge the CRA's assessment if needed.
Missing or Delayed NOA
If you haven't received your notice of assessment within the expected timeframe, check your CRA My Account first.
Your NOA might already be available online even if you haven't received an email notification or paper mail.
You can call the CRA to request a paper copy if you can't access your online account.
The CRA will mail it to the address they have on file for you.
Make sure your mailing address and email are up to date in your CRA account to avoid future delivery issues.
Processing times vary based on how you filed.
Online returns process faster than paper returns.
If it's been longer than the standard processing time for your filing method, contact the CRA to check on the status.
Noticing Discrepancies or Errors
Review your notice of assessment by comparing the amounts to what you reported on your tax return.
The tax assessment summary shows line numbers and amounts the CRA used to calculate your refund or balance owing.
Common discrepancies include missing deductions, incorrect income amounts, or overlooked credits.
The "Explanation of changes and other important information" section on your NOA tells you what the CRA changed and why.
If you find an error you made, you can adjust your return through your CRA My Account or by submitting a T1-ADJ form.
If the CRA made the error, contact them with documents that prove the correct amounts.
Requesting a Reassessment
You can file a formal objection if you disagree with the CRA's decision. For individuals, you must file a Notice of Objection within whichever is later:
- 90 days from the mailing date shown on your notice of assessment, OR
- One year after the filing deadline for that tax return
This applies when you believe the information is correct but the CRA assessed it incorrectly.
Submit your objection online through your CRA My Account, by mail, or by fax.
Include a clear explanation of why you're disputing the assessment and attach any supporting documents.
A tax expert can help you prepare an objection if the issue is complex.
The CRA will review your objection and may uphold the original assessment, modify it, or issue a notice of reassessment.
If you disagree with their decision after the objection, you can appeal to the Tax Court of Canada.
Using Your Notice of Assessment for Financial Planning
Your Notice of Assessment contains important financial information beyond your tax refund or balance owing.
The document includes your RRSP contribution room and confirmed income details that lenders and financial institutions require.
Proof of Income for Loans and Mortgages
Lenders and mortgage providers use your Notice of Assessment to verify your income when you apply for financing.
Your NOA shows your total, net, and taxable income for the tax year, which helps lenders decide how much you can borrow.
Banks prefer NOAs because they come directly from the CRA and can't be altered.
When you apply for a mortgage, most lenders will ask for your NOA from the previous one or two years.
Some lenders may also request it for car loans, lines of credit, or other major financing.
Keep your NOA in a safe place where you can access it quickly.
If you're planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, download or print a copy from your CRA account before meeting with lenders.
Accessing Contribution Information for RRSP and Government Plans
Your Notice of Assessment shows your RRSP deduction limit for the upcoming year.
This number tells you the maximum amount you can contribute to your RRSP and claim as a deduction on your next tax return.
The CRA calculates your contribution room based on your previous year's earned income and any unused contribution room from past years.
You'll find this information clearly listed on your NOA, usually in a section near the end of the document.
Important: Your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution room does NOT appear on your Notice of Assessment. To check your TFSA contribution room, you must log into your CRA My Account and look under the "TFSA" section, or check your TFSA Transaction Summary. The TFSA room is tracked separately from your NOA.
If you contribute to the Canada Pension Plan or other government plans, your NOA may also include relevant contribution details.
A tax expert can help you understand how to maximize these contributions based on your financial situation.
Summary for Upcoming Tax Years
Your current NOA provides baseline information that helps you plan for future tax years.
The income amounts, deductions, and credits on your notice give you a reference point for what to expect next year.
You can compare line items from your NOA to find areas where you might reduce taxes or increase deductions.
For example, if your taxable income is close to a higher tax bracket, you might increase your RRSP contributions next year to stay in a lower bracket.
Keep your NOAs from multiple years to track changes in your financial situation over time.
This record helps you spot trends and make better decisions about retirement savings and tax planning.
Accessing Previous Years' Notices of Assessment
You can access your notices of assessment from previous tax years through your CRA account or by requesting paper copies.
The CRA keeps your records available online for multiple years, making it easy to review past tax information when needed.
Downloading Past Notices Online
Your CRA My Account gives you access to your notice of assessment for the current tax year and approximately 11 years of previous tax history (the current year plus the 10 previous years). You can view and download these documents at any time once your returns have been processed.
To get your past notices, sign into your CRA account and select your individual account.
Go to the "Tax returns" or "Mail" section to see a list of available notices.
Click on the notice of assessment you need to view or download it as a PDF.
Each notice shows details for a specific tax year along with the date it was issued.
You can save copies to your device or print them for your records.
The online versions contain the same information as paper notices sent by mail.
Limitations and Special Considerations
If you need a notice from a tax year beyond what's available in your CRA My Account, you must call the CRA request line to have a paper copy mailed to your address on file.
The CRA can also provide your notice of assessment in alternate formats if you need them.
These include digital audio, electronic text, braille, or large print versions.
You need to call and make a specific request for these formats.
If you have never registered for my account, you need to set one up before you can access any notices online.
First-time filers may not have previous notices available since they have no filing history with the CRA.
Conclusion
Getting your Notice of Assessment from the CRA is a simple process you can complete in just a few minutes through your CRA My Account.
You can access your NOA online any time, download a PDF copy for your records, or wait to receive it by mail if you prefer.
This document is important for tracking your tax refund, checking your RRSP contribution room, and applying for loans or benefits.
If you need help understanding your Notice of Assessment or have questions about your tax situation, contact B&H Charity Accounting Firm at (289) 301-8883.
Our team can review your NOA, identify any errors, and help you file a reassessment request if needed.
We work with individuals and charitable organizations across Canada to ensure accurate tax filing and compliance.
Schedule a FREE consultation with us or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Whether you're dealing with a complicated tax return or need professional advice on your assessment, we're here to help you navigate the CRA's requirements with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access your Notice of Assessment through several methods.
The CRA provides ways to retrieve lost documents or get copies when you need them.
Where do I find the notice of assessment on CRA?
You can find your Notice of Assessment in three places.
Sign in to your CRA My Account and select "Tax returns" or "Mail" to view your current and previous year notices.
You can also view your NOA directly in your tax software after you file your return electronically.
If you don't use online methods, the CRA will mail your notice to the address they have on file for you.
What should I do if I lost my Notice of Assessment?
You can get a copy of your lost Notice of Assessment through your CRA My Account.
Sign in and go to "Tax returns" or "Mail" to view and print any notices you need.
If you prefer a paper copy, call the CRA to request they mail one to you.
You can also ask for alternate formats like digital audio, electronic text, braille, or large print when you call.
How to access notice of assessment without CRA?
You cannot access your official Notice of Assessment without going through the CRA.
The NOA is an official CRA document that contains your personal tax information and assessment results.
Your only options are to access it through your CRA My Account, view it in your tax software after filing, or request a mailed copy from the CRA directly.
How long does it take to get a notice of assessment in Canada?
The time it takes to receive your Notice of Assessment depends on how you file your tax return. When you file electronically using tax software, you may receive an Express NOA summary immediately after filing, but your official Notice of Assessment typically becomes available in your CRA My Account within two to four business days after the CRA processes your return.
If you receive your notice by mail, processing times are longer.
You can check the status of your return using the progress tracker in your CRA My Account.
Can I get my Notice of Assessment by mail?
You can receive your Notice of Assessment by mail in two ways.
The CRA automatically sends online mail to your CRA My Account if you've provided an email address, and you'll get an email notification when it arrives.
If you prefer letter mail or have never given the CRA your email address, they'll send a paper copy to your mailing address on file.
You can also request a paper copy by calling the CRA, even if you normally receive online mail.
Why do I need my Notice of Assessment?
You need your Notice of Assessment for several important purposes. The NOA shows your RRSP contribution limit for the next year, which helps with retirement planning.
Many lenders require your NOA when you apply for mortgages or loans. It proves your income.
Your Notice of Assessment also contains your NETFILE access code. You need this 8-character code to file your next year's tax return electronically.
The NOA helps confirm your identity with the CRA. It also shows whether you're getting a refund, owe money, or have a nil balance.
The NOA explains any changes the CRA made to your tax return.
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