How long does a CRA audit take from start to finish?

The length of a CRA audit depends heavily on its type and complexity. A simple correspondence audit — where CRA asks you to mail in receipts supporting a specific deduction — can be resolved in a few weeks to a few months if you respond quickly and your records are in order.

A desk audit conducted at a CRA office typically takes several months. A field audit, where an auditor examines your books on-site, can run six months to over a year for a business with complex transactions or multiple years under review. Audits involving suspected unreported income, related-party transactions, or offshore accounts often take the longest.

Delays are common when the taxpayer is slow to produce records, when the auditor requests additional information, or when specialist teams are brought in. Throughout the process, CRA is supposed to keep you informed of progress. Hiring a tax lawyer or accountant to manage communication can help keep things moving and prevent inadvertent admissions. The audit concludes with a proposal letter that sets out any adjustments CRA intends to make — you have an opportunity to respond before a formal reassessment is issued.