Canada Tax Dispute Lawyer
If you’ve received a reassessment or are being audited by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the next steps you take could make or break your case. A tax dispute lawyer in Canada can help protect your rights, push back on unreasonable CRA positions, and guide you through the dispute resolution process.
At Kirshen Tax Law, our Toronto tax lawyer represents clients in all stages of CRA disputes from audit to objection to Tax Court appeal.
What Is a Tax Dispute?
A tax dispute arises when the CRA audits, issues an assessment or reassessment or takes a position that you believe does not reflect the correct tax result. Common examples include:
- Reassessments for unreported income or denied expenses;
- GST/HST audits where CRA thinks you’re a builder or made a taxable supply;
- Disallowed deductions or credits;
- Net worth audits or lifestyle assessments;
- T1135 penalties for offshore asset reporting; and
- Director’s liability or third-party assessments.
Whether the issue stems from a personal issue, business filing, or real estate activity, it’s your right to challenge the CRA’s conclusions.
When to Involve a Tax Dispute Lawyer
You should contact a tax dispute lawyer when:
- You’ve received a Notice of Reassessment you disagree with;
- You’re under CRA audit or review and the process is expanding;
- CRA is making assumptions due to missing or rejected documentation;
- You want to file a Notice of Objection to challenge the reassessment; or
- You’ve exhausted the objection stage and need to appeal to the Tax Court of Canada.
A Toronto tax lawyer can step in at any point, but getting advice early often leads to better outcomes. Early involvement lets us set the tone with the CRA, manage communications, and steer the file before positions harden.
How We Resolve Tax Disputes
At Kirshen Tax Law, we don’t just respond to CRA letters, we build strategic, legally grounded responses that force the CRA to justify their position. We:
- Review your audit or reassessment documents in detail;
- Identify legal and procedural weaknesses in CRA’s file;
- File clear, persuasive Notices of Objection;
- Negotiate with appeals officers or Department of Justice lawyers; and
- Represent you in Tax Court when necessary.
Our Toronto tax lawyer has resolved thousands of tax disputes without the need for full litigation often through well-prepared audit responses, objections and targeted negotiation.
The Dispute Process in Canada
Most CRA disputes follow a three-stage process:
- Audit: CRA reviews your file and issues a Notice of Reassessment.
- Objection: You file a Notice of Objection to challenge the reassessment. This stage is handled by CRA Appeals.
- Appeal: If your objection is denied or ignored, you can appeal to the Tax Court of Canada.
Each stage has strict deadlines and once they pass, your ability to challenge the CRA becomes much harder.
Kirshen Tax Law Can Help
If you’re in a dispute with the CRA, don’t wait for the situation to escalate. A tax dispute lawyer at Kirshen Tax Law can help you respond decisively and protect your position. We offer personalized, strategic representation at every stage of the process. Book a free consultation with a Toronto tax lawyer today.
Jeff Kirshen BA, JD (CA), JD (US)
Tax Lawyer | Founder, Kirshen Tax Law
Disclaimer
The content on this website, including articles and blog posts, is provided for general informational purposes only. It reflects the laws and regulations as of the date of publication, which may have since changed. This content is not intended to serve as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Tax laws and situations can be complex and unique to each individual. The information provided may not apply to your specific circumstances. For personalized advice regarding your tax or legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer.