Insight

Nov 12, 2025

Mackisen

CRA Informant / Whistleblower Audit — Montreal CPA Firm Near You: Manage Tip Exposure

A CRA Informant or Whistleblower Audit begins when CRA receives third-party information—often from employees, business partners, ex-spouses, or competitors—about alleged tax evasion, underreporting, or undisclosed income. CRA’s Offshore Tax Informant Program (OTIP) and its domestic whistleblower channels reward informants, making this one of the fastest-growing audit categories in Canada. Mackisen CPA Montreal provides professional representation to neutralize tip-based audits, verify facts, and protect both personal and corporate reputations.

Legal Foundation

Law: Income Tax Act s.239 (false statements and evasion); s.231.1 (audit powers); CRA OTIP Framework 2023.
Jurisprudence: R. v. Jarvis (2002 SCC) — confirmed that CRA must separate civil audits from criminal inquiries and maintain procedural fairness when acting on informant leads.

Why You Need a CPA for a Whistleblower Audit

Whistleblower audits carry emotional and financial risk because they start with suspicion rather than evidence. CRA typically cross-checks your tax filings with bank records, client invoices, and third-party statements. Mackisen CPA Montreal defends you through documentation, forensic accounting, and transparent communication to demonstrate that any discrepancies are errors, not intent.

Learning insight: Informant audits start with a story. A CPA replaces stories with facts.

What Mackisen CPA’s Informant-Audit Defense Includes

  • Full forensic accounting review of income, expenses, and related-party transactions.

  • Preparation of documented proof for every alleged underreported amount.

  • Audit strategy that ensures procedural fairness under Jarvis principles.

  • Representation during all CRA interviews, demands, and correspondence.

  • Confidential coordination with legal counsel if criminal referral risk exists.

Learning insight: CRA investigates whispers, not proof. A CPA provides the proof before the whispers become evidence.

Common Triggers for Informant or Whistleblower Audits

  • Ex-spouses or former employees alleging hidden income or unreported assets.

  • Business partners or competitors reporting irregularities.

  • Anonymous tips to CRA’s OTIP hotline referencing offshore accounts or cash sales.

  • Inconsistent lifestyle or asset growth compared with declared income.

  • Public online postings about lavish spending or cash operations.

Mackisen CPA Montreal identifies the real risk, isolates truth from accusation, and provides the transparency CRA needs to close the audit.

How Mackisen CPA Manages Whistleblower Audits

  1. Conducts immediate forensic data review to identify any factual weaknesses.

  2. Establishes audit control points to prevent unauthorized information access.

  3. Drafts a CPA-certified audit response with full documentation and legal backing.

  4. Communicates exclusively in writing with CRA to maintain a verifiable record.

  5. Submits voluntary correction filings when necessary to neutralize exposure.

Learning insight: The first mistake in a tip-based audit is panic. The first solution is precision.

Benefits of Professional Representation

  • Prevents escalation to criminal or gross-negligence penalties.

  • Ensures audit communications are factual, not speculative.

  • Reduces exposure to years of retroactive reassessment.

  • Protects business reputation and professional standing.

  • Demonstrates cooperation without admitting liability.

Learning insight: The best way to handle a CRA tip file is to treat it as data—not drama.

SEO Optimization and Learning Value

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Secondary Keywords: CRA informant reward, CRA audit defense Montreal, whistleblower tip tax audit, Mackisen CPA compliance, CRA false statement audit.

Learning insight: Whistleblowers provide clues; CRA seeks confirmation. Mackisen CPA supplies the evidence that clears your name.

Real Client Success

  • A Montreal retailer cleared of a $600,000 tip allegation after Mackisen CPA proved POS deposits matched tax filings.

  • A consultant accused by a former partner avoided penalties when CRA accepted CPA-documented reconciliations.

  • A small construction firm reinstated reputation after Mackisen CPA provided third-party affidavits verifying legitimate transactions.

Why Mackisen CPA Montreal

Mackisen CPA Montreal is a trusted defense partner in all CRA and Revenue Québec audits triggered by informant leads. With 35+ years of combined audit and tax-law experience, our CPA team ensures every client’s record withstands scrutiny—transforming allegations into clarity and compliance.

Learning insight: CRA believes the tip until you prove the truth. Mackisen CPA ensures your truth is louder, documented, and defensible.

Learning conclusion: Allegations fade when facts are organized. Mackisen CPA Montreal turns your financial story into proof that even CRA can’t dispute.

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