Auditor General Provides Recommendations For Improving CRA Review Of Objections

Under the federal Income Tax Act, the Canada Revenue Agency must consider a taxpayer's objection and must vacate, confirm or vary the underlying tax assessment. This review must be completed "with all due dispatch".

Unfortunately, no specific timeline is required for the CRA's review of an objection (unlike the many specific deadlines imposed on taxpayers pursuant to the Income Tax Act or otherwise). Generally, a taxpayer's only recourse in a case of excessive delay is to request interest relief or make a service complaint to the Office of the Taxpayer's Ombudsman. The CRA has stated that it is aware of these potential delays, and has implemented service standards in respect of the various types of objections it receives each year