CRA audit of a registered charity
Representing a charity through a CRA audit, including responding to findings and negotiating the outcome.
What is included
- Reviews the CRA letter, audit request or compliance issue
- Helps gather records and prepare written responses
- Attends meetings or calls with CRA
- Proposes corrective steps or a compliance agreement where suitable
- Advises on objection and appeal rights
What is not included
- Government filing fees and other disbursements
- Bookkeeping, audit or accounting services
- Court applications or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Advice on foreign law for activities outside Canada
Who this service is for
- Registered charities under CRA audit or review
- Applicants whose registration CRA proposes to refuse
- Charities checking their annual return or disbursement quota
Information to have ready
- 1All CRA letters and requests
- 2Recent T3010 returns and financial statements
- 3Board minutes, receipting records and program documents
- 4Your governing documents
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
Lawyers usually charge $350–$750/hr for this kind of work, by the hour. The lawyer quotes the actual rate and an estimate. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What can happen after a CRA audit?
Outcomes range from an education letter or compliance agreement to penalties, suspension of receipting privileges or, in serious cases, revocation. Careful, on-time responses often matter.
Can the charity answer CRA without a lawyer?
It can, but what it says becomes part of the record. Getting advice before responding can help the charity answer accurately and completely.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed, including CRA registration or approval
- CRA and government processing times are outside the lawyer's control
- The board remains responsible for the organization's decisions and filings
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