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

A CRA Informant or Whistleblower Audit is triggered when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) receives information suggesting unreported income, hidden assets, or false deductions. These tips may come from former employees, ex-partners, competitors, or CRA’s own Offshore Tax Informant Program (OTIP).
Such audits can be emotionally and financially stressful — but they are also entirely manageable with the right professional defense. Mackisen CPA Montreal provides discreet, strategic representation to respond quickly, verify facts, and protect both your reputation and your rights.

Legal Foundation

Law: Income Tax Act s.231.1 (CRA audit powers); s.239 (false statements and penalties); Excise Tax Act s.323 (liability for GST/HST).
Jurisprudence: R. v. Jarvis (2002 SCC) — established that when CRA shifts from audit to investigation, the taxpayer gains full Charter rights under criminal law.

Learning insight: A CRA tip doesn’t equal guilt — it equals inquiry. The response you provide determines whether it stays an audit or escalates into an investigation.

Why CRA Starts Informant Audits

CRA receives thousands of informant tips annually. Most are dismissed, but verified ones can trigger targeted audits or full investigations. Common triggers include:

• Allegations of hidden cash income or double books.

• Claims of unreported offshore accounts.

• Employee complaints about unpaid source deductions.

• Ex-partner disclosures during divorce proceedings.

• Competitors reporting false invoicing or expense schemes.

Learning insight: CRA trusts documentation, not gossip. Mackisen CPA ensures your evidence outweighs the allegations.

CRA Informant Audit Process

1. Tip Evaluation: CRA cross-checks the information against filings and third-party data.

2. Targeted Audit Launch: CRA requests specific receipts, contracts, or bank statements.

3. Interview Requests: Auditors may interview directors, employees, or related parties.

4. Field Verification: CRA may conduct on-site visits or review POS data.

5. Findings and Assessment: CRA either clears the file, issues adjustments, or refers it to CID for investigation.

Learning insight: CRA’s first goal is verification — not punishment. The key is organized, immediate proof that your filings are accurate.

What Mackisen CPA’s Informant-Audit Defense Includes

• Fact Verification: Identify the scope and credibility of CRA’s allegations.

• Financial Reconstruction: Reconcile reported income with bank deposits and invoices.

• Forensic Accounting: Detect and explain discrepancies before CRA interprets them incorrectly.

• Confidential Representation: Act as your intermediary to manage communication with CRA.

• Charter Protection Coordination: Collaborate with tax lawyers if investigation risk arises.

Learning insight: CRA looks for inconsistency; Mackisen CPA delivers coherence. Every explanation is documented and defensible.

Common Informant Audit Risks

• Cash-based businesses (restaurants, construction, salons).

• Large write-offs relative to income.

• Foreign transfers or investment holdings.

• Payroll remittances or T4A/T5 mismatches.

• Personal expenses charged through business accounts.

Mackisen CPA Montreal builds financial and documentary defenses that demonstrate compliance and isolate legitimate business practices.

Learning insight: Allegations gain power in the absence of proof — Mackisen CPA replaces speculation with facts.

How Mackisen CPA Protects You

1. Conducts a full internal audit mirroring CRA procedures to detect exposure.

2. Reviews all prior returns for consistency and voluntary disclosure opportunities.

3. Reconciles key ledgers — sales, purchases, payroll, and deposits — to close data gaps.

4. Drafts professional CPA responses addressing every CRA concern.

5. Maintains confidentiality throughout the audit process to protect your business reputation.

Learning insight: CRA respects organized defense — not emotional reaction. Mackisen CPA keeps your response calm, precise, and professional.

SEO Optimization and Learning Value

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Secondary Keywords: CRA OTIP, Revenu Québec informant audit, Mackisen CPA compliance, whistleblower tax allegations, CRA fraud defense Montreal.

Learning insight: CRA and Google share one principle — both reward clarity. Mackisen CPA ensures your story is clear, complete, and credible.

Real Client Success

• A Montréal construction firm avoided a $120,000 reassessment after Mackisen CPA traced every alleged “undeclared cash sale” to supplier returns and bank statements.

• A small retailer accused by a former employee cleared its audit when we proved all GST/HST remittances matched POS records.

• A family business facing whistleblower allegations from an ex-partner avoided escalation when Mackisen CPA demonstrated proper T4 and payroll compliance.

Learning insight: CRA withdraws allegations when presented with irrefutable evidence — Mackisen CPA builds that evidence before the audit begins.

Why Mackisen CPA Montreal

With over 35 years of combined CRA and audit experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal has handled hundreds of sensitive whistleblower and informant audits across Québec and Canada. Our bilingual CPA team combines forensic accounting, audit law, and negotiation strategy to keep your file factual, professional, and compliant.
We specialize in converting unverified allegations into documented closure.

Learning insight: Allegations target people — audits test systems. Mackisen CPA strengthens both.