CRA Field (On-Site) Audit — Montreal CPA Firm Near You: Prepare Books, Win the Meeting

A CRA Field (On-Site) Audit is the most intensive form of tax examination conducted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or Revenu Québec. Unlike correspondence or desk audits, field audits involve auditors physically visiting your home, office, or place of business to review books, invoices, ledgers, and tax filings in detail. A professional representation from a Montreal CPA firm near you ensures that the process remains controlled, documented, and strategically managed.

Legal Foundation

Law: Income Tax Act ss.231.1–231.2 — grants CRA broad powers to inspect records and enter business premises.
Jurisprudence: Jarvis v. Canada (2002 SCC) — establishes the distinction between a tax audit and a criminal investigation, reinforcing taxpayer rights.

Why You Need a CPA for a CRA Field Audit

When CRA auditors arrive, they already have years of data about your business, industry ratios, and flagged variances. Field audits are not random—they are targeted based on red flags detected in prior filings, bank data, or third-party information. Having a CPA present ensures that all communication is professional, factual, and legally sound.

Learning insight: CRA field auditors are trained investigators. A calm, well-documented, CPA-led process transforms a potential confrontation into a transparent, efficient review.

What a Mackisen CPA Field Audit Preparation Includes

• Pre-audit review of all CRA correspondence and audit scope.

• Creation of an indexed binder with source documents supporting each deduction or revenue entry.

• Preparation of reconciliations between bank deposits, invoices, and reported income.

• Simulation of CRA’s audit approach using industry benchmarking and variance testing.

• Representation during the meeting to answer questions and manage document flow.

Learning insight: The first 30 minutes of a field audit define the tone for the entire review. A structured presentation builds credibility and trust, often resulting in a faster closure.

Common Triggers for CRA Field Audits

• High expense-to-revenue ratios.

• Large fluctuations in gross profit margins.

• Repeated losses in self-employed or corporate filings.

• Unusual shareholder loans or related-party transactions.

• Unfiled or late-filed GST/QST returns.

• Unreported cash deposits or third-party data mismatches.

Mackisen CPA Montreal identifies these red flags in advance and prepares detailed documentation that addresses each issue before the auditor even asks.

How Mackisen CPA Manages the Field Audit

1. Conducts a complete pre-audit diagnostic to identify potential weaknesses.

2. Reviews and organizes accounting records, contracts, and bank statements.

3. Trains business owners and staff on how to communicate with auditors.

4. Attends the audit meeting to manage all discussions and disclosures.

5. Prepares post-audit reports summarizing findings and recommended adjustments.

Learning insight: CRA auditors are less likely to expand an audit when a CPA demonstrates full cooperation, precision, and legal awareness. Preparation equals protection.

Benefits of Professional Field-Audit Representation

• Prevents unnecessary disclosure or overstatement.

• Protects taxpayer rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

• Ensures consistent communication and documentation control.

• Minimizes disruption to operations during the audit.

• Provides post-audit analysis and future compliance planning.

Learning insight: The difference between a stressful audit and a successful one lies in leadership. When Mackisen CPA leads the process, your file speaks for itself—accurate, compliant, and ready.

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Learning insight: A field audit is not just about defense—it’s about demonstrating excellence in compliance. Mackisen CPA turns every audit into a masterclass in organization, accuracy, and financial governance.

Real Client Results

• A construction company avoided a $42,000 reassessment after Mackisen CPA demonstrated that supplier payments matched deposit schedules.

• A restaurant chain passed a three-year CRA and ARQ joint audit without adjustments following our pre-audit preparation process.

• A retail distributor saved 60 hours of downtime by allowing Mackisen CPA to manage all on-site communication and document control.

Why Mackisen CPA Montreal

With over 35 years of combined audit, tax-law, and compliance experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal is recognized for its expertise in high-stakes CRA and Revenu Québec audits. Our firm ensures each audit is not just resolved—but documented, optimized, and leveraged to improve internal controls.

Learning insight: An audit is not punishment—it’s performance feedback. A CPA-led response turns inspection into opportunity, ensuring your numbers and integrity remain unquestioned.

Call to Action

If CRA or Revenu Québec has scheduled an on-site visit, preparation is your best defense.
Contact Mackisen CPA Montreal today for professional audit representation.
Phone: 514-276-0808 | Email: info@mackisen.com | Website: mackisen.com

Learning conclusion: A CRA Field Audit can feel intimidating, but knowledge, structure, and CPA representation transform it into a compliance success story. Mackisen CPA Montreal ensures that every meeting, every record, and every statement reflects professionalism, accuracy, and confidence.