Insights
Nov 21, 2025
Mackisen

CRA Collections Compliance Audit — Montreal CPA Firm Near You: Keep Agreements On Track

A CRA Collections Compliance Audit focuses on businesses or individuals who have entered payment arrangements, filed late, or owe outstanding tax balances. CRA’s Collections Division periodically reviews compliance to ensure taxpayers are meeting their repayment obligations. Mackisen CPA Montreal ensures that all CRA collection activities are handled professionally—protecting your assets, negotiating manageable payment terms, and maintaining compliance without disrupting your operations.
Legal Foundation
Law: Income Tax Act ss.222–223 (collection of tax debts); Excise Tax Act ss.317–323 (collection powers for GST/HST); Tax Administration Act (Québec) s.115.
Jurisprudence: Michel v. Canada (2001 TCC) — confirmed that CRA’s power to collect does not override procedural fairness or a taxpayer’s right to reasonable arrangements.
Why You Need a CPA During a CRA Collections Audit
CRA collections agents have broad authority—they can garnish wages, seize assets, and freeze bank accounts. However, these powers must be applied fairly and proportionately. Mackisen CPA Montreal ensures all CRA collection measures follow due process, reviews your financial capacity, and negotiates terms that protect your livelihood and business continuity.
Learning insight: CRA’s job is to collect taxes; your CPA’s job is to protect your future.
What Mackisen CPA’s Collections Audit Defense Includes
Complete review of CRA payment arrangements and compliance letters.
Preparation of financial-capacity reports to prove realistic repayment terms.
Filing of fairness requests to suspend penalties and interest where justified.
Negotiation of payment plans that prevent garnishment or lien registration.
Coordination with CRA officers for removal of excessive enforcement measures.
Learning insight: CRA collects aggressively when you stay silent. A CPA restores control through communication and documentation.
Common Triggers for CRA Collections Audits
Missed or late payments under existing payment plans.
Failure to file GST/QST or payroll remittances on time.
Large unpaid balances after reassessment or audit.
Asset transfers to family members or related companies.
CRA’s automated debt-risk scoring systems flagging “non-compliance risk.”
Mackisen CPA Montreal identifies these triggers early and provides proactive solutions before CRA escalates to legal action.
How Mackisen CPA Manages CRA Collections Compliance
Conducts a full audit of outstanding balances and interest accruals.
Negotiates affordable payment arrangements backed by cash-flow analysis.
Files Taxpayer Relief requests under ITA s.220(3.1) for interest and penalty cancellation.
Reviews CRA’s file for procedural fairness, miscalculations, or duplicate penalties.
Communicates directly with CRA Collections Officers to ensure fast resolution.
Learning insight: CRA cares less about your debt and more about your discipline. A CPA proves both responsibility and intent to comply.
Benefits of Professional Representation
Prevents bank freezes and payroll garnishments.
Protects director and shareholder assets under ITA s.227.1 and ETA s.323.
Reduces total debt through negotiated interest and penalty relief.
Maintains eligibility for future CRA payment arrangements.
Restores taxpayer credibility and compliance status.
Learning insight: You can’t negotiate with power—you negotiate with preparation. Mackisen CPA provides the facts and forecasts that make CRA listen.
SEO Optimization and Learning Value
Primary Keywords: CRA Collections Audit, CRA Payment Arrangement, Mackisen CPA Montreal, CPA Firm Near You, CRA Tax Debt Help, CRA Garnishment Relief.
Secondary Keywords: CRA lien removal, Revenu Québec collections, taxpayer relief Montreal, CRA penalty interest waiver, Mackisen CPA compliance audit.
Learning insight: CRA collects based on data, not emotion. A CPA uses data to prove compliance, fairness, and capability.
Real Client Success
A Montreal contractor avoided bank seizure after Mackisen CPA negotiated a 36-month CRA repayment plan with interest relief.
A self-employed professional reduced tax debt by 22% when Mackisen CPA corrected CRA’s interest calculations.
A small retailer under CRA garnishment resumed normal operations within 10 days after our CPA-led financial review proved undue hardship.
Why Mackisen CPA Montreal
Mackisen CPA Montreal combines tax-law precision, negotiation skill, and financial modeling to defend taxpayers in collection disputes. Our bilingual CPA team works directly with CRA and Revenu Québec to achieve practical solutions that protect assets and credit ratings.
Learning insight: CRA enforces payment; we enforce fairness. Mackisen CPA ensures both sides follow the law.

