After filing your tax return, it’s normal to wonder when you’ll receive your refund or if the CRA needs anything else from you. Fortunately, the Canada Revenue Agency provides simple ways to check your tax return status.
1. Check Through CRA My Account (Fastest Method)
The easiest and most reliable way is through CRA My Account.
Need to register for CRA My Account? See: How to Register for CRA My Account
Once logged in, you can:
- See the status of your return (Received, Assessed, Reassessed)
- View your Notice of Assessment (NOA)
- Check refund details and payment dates
👉 Steps:
- Go to the CRA website: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - Canada.ca
- Click on Sign in to a CRA Account
- Scroll down to Sign in to your CRA Account:
Use your method to sign in when you registered (Sign -in Partner, CRA user ID and password)
Need to register for CRA My Account? See: How to Register for CRA My Account
- Once signed in, click on the account in question:
- On the Overview page, on the right hand side (if you are on a desktop or wide screen):
Click on the Initial Assessment in the Progress Tracker section.
If you're on mobile, you may need to scroll down to see it:
- Click on “[Year] Initial Assessment” or “[Year]Tax Return”
- You'll see the status and date that the Notice of Assessment is expected:
- If you see that Additional information is required:
If may mean that you should have received mail from CRA.
Review your CRA correspondence if that's the case.
If your return has been processed, you’ll see your Notice of Assessment right away in the Overview section.
2. Call the CRA (If Needed)
If you can’t access your account online, you can call the CRA directly.
Be ready to verify your identity with:
- SIN number
- Date of birth
- Details from your last tax return
Keep in mind that wait times may be longer during tax season.
See Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - Canada.ca for wait times:
3. Understand Processing Times
Typical CRA processing timelines:
- E-filed returns: ~2 weeks
- Paper returns: Up to 8 weeks or more
Delays may happen if:
- Information is missing
- The CRA reviews your return
- Additional documents are required
4. What Do the Statuses Mean?
Here are the most common statuses you’ll see:
- Received: The CRA has your return but hasn’t processed it yet
- Assessed: Your return has been processed
- Reassessed: Changes were made after the initial assessment
Once assessed, you’ll receive your Notice of Assessment, which confirms your refund or balance owing.
5. Track Your Refund
If you’re expecting a refund:
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about your return status, received a CRA letter, or your refund is delayed, we can help review your file and communicate with the CRA on your behalf. Book a Consultation with Toro Accounting