VISITING REVENU QUÉBEC? CHECKLIST FOR A TRIP TO THE TAX OFFICE

Visiting Revenue Québec in person — especially at the busy Complexe Desjardins location — can be stressful if you don’t bring the right documents or know what to expect. Whether you're going to resolve a GST/QST issue, drop off documents, request clarification on an assessment, or meet with an agent, preparation is essential. Arriving unprepared often leads to incomplete service, wasted time, and delays in resolving your tax matters. This guide provides a clear, practical checklist for what to bring and how to prepare before visiting Revenue Québec’s tax office in Montreal.

Proper preparation helps ensure your visit is efficient, productive, and successful — no matter the purpose.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Revenue Québec administers GST and QST for the province, and under the Excise Tax Act and Quebec Taxation Act, businesses must provide complete and accurate information when responding to inquiries or assessments. When meeting an agent in person, you may be asked to present identification, business documentation, or supporting evidence related to GST/QST filings, refunds, or audits.

The information you provide becomes part of your tax file, and incomplete records may delay processing or trigger additional review.

KEY COURT DECISIONS

Courts have affirmed that taxpayers remain responsible for producing documentation and proper information — even during in-person interactions. Several cases highlight that:
• verbal explanations without documentation carry little weight
• incomplete submissions do not prevent reassessments
• providing incorrect information can result in penalties
• taxpayers must maintain complete records for six years

These rulings reinforce why you must prepare thoroughly before visiting Revenue Québec.

WHY IN-PERSON VISITS GET COMPLICATED

Revenue Québec office visits become challenging when businesses:
• forget supporting documents
• cannot answer basic account questions
• bring incomplete GST/QST returns
• lack authorization to discuss corporate files
• misunderstand what the agent needs
• do not prepare identification or relevant notices

An organized checklist reduces these issues dramatically.

CHECKLIST FOR A TRIP TO THE REVENU QUÉBEC TAX OFFICE (COMPLEXE DESJARDINS)

Use this list to ensure your in-person visit is efficient and successful.

1. Government-issued identification

Bring:
• driver’s licence
• passport
• health card
Revenue Québec requires ID for all in-person services.

2. Your Revenue Québec correspondence

Bring copies of:
• notices of assessment
• GST/QST verification letters
• collection notices
• refund delay notices
• audit questionnaires
These documents help the agent understand your case immediately.

3. Your GST/QST numbers and filing history

Have available:
• GST registration number
• QST registration number
• filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, annual)
• last return filed
• confirmation number if available

4. Copies of your GST/QST returns

Print or bring electronic access to:
• FPZ-500-V returns for affected periods
• amended returns if applicable
• sales and purchase summaries
Agents often ask for them during on-site review.

5. Supporting documentation for ITCs/ITRs

Bring:
• supplier invoices
• receipts
• proof of payment
• subcontractor invoices
• digital invoices
If your visit concerns a refund, these documents are essential.

6. Bank statements

Bring monthly statements covering the period under review. They help verify deposits, payments, and refund traces.

7. POS, e-commerce, or accounting reports

Depending on your business model, bring:
• POS Z-reports
• online sales summaries (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy)
• accounting system tax summaries
These support GST/QST return figures.

8. Contracts and agreements

Useful for explaining tax treatment on:
• progress billing
• milestone payments
• long-term service contracts
• interprovincial clients

9. Authorization documents (if applicable)

If a representative (such as your accountant) is accompanying you, bring:
• MR-69 authorization form
• signed engagement letter
Without formal authorization, agents cannot speak to third parties.

10. Payment methods

If resolving a balance owing, bring:
• direct debit information
• online banking access
• a cheque
Avoid arriving without a way to make payment if required.

11. A written summary of your issue

Prepare a one-page summary outlining:
• why you are visiting
• the period affected
• what documentation you brought
• specific questions
This helps the agent provide quick, focused assistance.

12. Digital copies of everything

Revenue Québec agents frequently scan documents. Bring:
• a USB key
• uploaded PDFs on your phone
• cloud access
Digital formats avoid delays.

MACKISEN STRATEGY

Mackisen CPA prepares clients before their Revenue Québec visits by reviewing all documentation, drafting clear summaries, and ensuring all required materials are ready. We also accompany clients (when authorized) to provide direct representation and answer technical questions during the appointment.

After the visit, we follow up on file updates, submit additional documentation, and handle any further communication with Revenue Québec to ensure the matter is resolved efficiently.

REAL CLIENT EXPERIENCE

A Montreal retail owner visited Revenue Québec without key invoices for a refund review. Mackisen restructured their documentation, accompanied them to a second appointment, and secured the refund.

A contractor facing a collections notice arrived unprepared. Mackisen organized bank statements, prepared a timeline of events, attended the meeting, and negotiated a payment plan.

A wellness practitioner received a verification request but didn’t know what documents were required. Mackisen prepared a full audit-ready binder and the review closed with no adjustments.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I visit Revenue Québec without an appointment
Some services are walk-in, but complex matters require scheduling.

Do I need physical documents
Digital copies are acceptable, but identification must be physical.

Can Revenue Québec refuse to help if I’m unprepared
They may ask you to return with complete documentation.

Should I bring my accountant
Yes. A CPA can clarify details and prevent miscommunication.

What if I receive new correspondence after the visit
Forward it to your accountant immediately to continue the resolution.

WHY MACKISEN

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps businesses confidently navigate in-person visits to Revenue Québec. From documentation preparation to post-visit follow-up, our approach ensures clarity, efficiency, and full compliance.