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All you need to know about your Notice of Assessment (NOA) in 2026.

May 1, 2024|Updated: April 10, 2026

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A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is the Canada Revenue Agency’s official summary of your processed tax return. It confirms your earnings, the credits you claimed, and most importantly, whether you owe taxes, or if you’re getting a refund.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

What’s a CRA Notice of Assessment (NOA)? 
A Notice of Assessment (NOA) is a letter the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sends you after they finish looking over your tax return. It’s the CRA’s official summary of what you earned, what you claimed, and what they agree you owe or should get back.  

Your Tax Expert or tax software gives you an expected result, but the NOA is the final official result from the CRA. It tells you exactly how your return was processed.

What does an NOA actually do?

  • Validates the numbers: It shows a clear breakdown of your income, credits, and deductions based on what the CRA has on file.  
  • Confirms the bottom line: It officially tells you if you’re getting a refund or if you owe money.  
  • Highlights adjustments: If the CRA changed anything, like adding a missed credit or correcting an error, the NOA explains exactly what they fixed and why.

Key information found on your NOA.

Your NOA includes helpful details you’ll need for next year, like:

  • Your RRSP contribution room.
  • Your TFSA limit.
  • Your NETFILE access code: This is an 8-character code printed on the right side of last year’s NOA. You’ll only need it if you file your taxes using online tax software. Entering this code can make next year’s filing smoother because it helps the CRA confirm your identity faster, which means fewer security questions and an easier time accessing or updating your information. It’s optional but using it can save you time when you're filing electronically.
  • Any previous balances: Your NOA may indicate an amount owed from a previous year if you have an outstanding balance on your account.

Pro tip: Keep your NOA and compare it to your original tax return. If something doesn’t match and you’re unsure why, you have a limited time to question or correct it by filing an objection or requesting an adjustment.    

 

When will I get my official Notice of Assessment (NOA)?

The wait for your NOA depends entirely on how you filed. In 2026, the CRA has streamlined its digital delivery, but paper filers should still expect a significant delay.

  • Online (fastest): If your Tax Expert used EFILE – or if you used NETFILE certified software – your NOA is usually available in CRA My Account the moment your return is processed. For many simple returns, this can be nearly immediate.
  • By mail: if you haven't signed up for online mail, the CRA will send a paper copy to your address on file. This typically arrives 2 to 3 weeks after your return is assessed, though Canada Post delivery times can vary.
  • Québec residents: Revenu Québec operates on its own timeline. Generally, you can expect an NOA within 2 weeks for digital filings or up to 28 days if you filed by mail. 

My NOA has gone missing, how do I get another copy?

Don’t panic – losing track of your paperwork happens to the best of us. If your physical copy has disappeared, the easiest and fastest way to get a replacement is through CRA My Account, where you can view, print, or download your NOAs from the last several years instantly.  

If you aren't registered for online services, you can call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to request a duplicate by mail, though keep in mind it can take up to 10 business days to arrive.  

What to do if you disagree with your CRA Notice of Assessment.

It can be a bit of a shock to open your NOA and see a different number than what you or your Tax Expert calculated. If the CRA adjusted your return, check the “Explanation of Changes” section on the assessment; this is where they detail exactly why a credit was denied or why your income was recalculated.  

If you realize you made a mistake or missed a slip, you can easily file an adjustment. However, if you disagree with their changes and believe your original return was correct, you have the right to formally file an objection. Generally, you have until one year after the filing deadline, or 90 days from the date on your NOA (whichever is later), to dispute it.  

Pro tip: If you purchased our Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan, you don’t have to face the CRA alone; a Senior Tax Expert will act as your legal representative to manage all correspondence and disputes on your behalf, and we’ll even reimburse you for up to $3,000 in additional taxes if an error was made on our part.

New for 2026: No CRA My Account? Authorize your Tax Expert using last year’s NOA.

Since the CRA updated their authorization rules in July 2025, the way we connect with your account has changed. While we can still file your taxes without a CRA My Account, having one remains the fastest and most efficient way to maximize your filing experience, granting you access to perks like an Instant Refund® and secure, digital tax slips.

If you aren't signed up for an account yet, don't worry. Your Tax Expert can still gain access to your CRA data using a new "Alternative Authorization" process. By providing specific details from an NOA issued at least six months ago, we can be authorized to represent you instantly. This allows us to import key information directly from the government to optimize your return, ensuring we aren't relying solely on paper documents and that you’re getting every credit you deserve.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a CRA My Account and still need to file your taxes this year, your 2024 Notice of Assessment is your golden ticket. Bring a copy to your appointment, and your Tax Expert can use it to pull your current slips directly from the CRA. It’s the fastest way to ensure your return is 100% accurate without the stress of hunting down missing tax forms. 

Frequently asked questions. 

You’ll find this 8-character code printed on the top-right side of your previous year’s NOA. While it’s technically optional, entering it when you file is a smart move, it helps the CRA verify your identity instantly, making for a much smoother process if you ever need to call them or update your info. 

Think of your NOA as a "permanent record" for your finances. We recommend keeping it for at least six years. You’ll need it to verify income for bank loans or mortgages, track carry-forward amounts for future tax years, and it's essential to have on hand if the CRA ever selects your return for a review.

An NOA (Notice of Assessment) is the first official summary you get after the CRA processes your return. A NOR (Notice of Reassessment) is only issued if changes are made to that return later on – for example, if you forgot a slip and filed an adjustment, or if the CRA conducted a review and corrected a number. 

If the CRA’s math doesn't match yours, you have a specific window to act. Generally, you have until one year after the filing deadline, or 90 days from the date on your NOA (whichever is later) to file a formal Notice of Objection.  

Yes! As of 2026, we can use the CRA’s "Alternative Authorization" process. Just bring in an NOA that's at least six months old, and your Tax Expert can gain instant access to your account to ensure your current return is optimized and accurate. 

Because Québec manages its own provincial taxes, Revenu Québec will issue you a separate NOA. If you’re signed up for online delivery, you can find it in your MRQ (Mon dossier pour les citoyens) account. Their timelines are slightly different, but the rule of thumb remains: keep that document safe! 

We’re here to take the stress out of tax season.

If your NOA didn’t turn out quite how you expected, or if a CRA request letter just landed in your mailbox, we’ve got your back. Our Tax Experts will walk you through the fine print and guide you on exactly what to do next. We’re open year-round to give you the support you need. Find an office near you.