What Is a Notice of Assessment and Where Can I Find It?
A Notice of Assessment, usually called an NOA, is the CRA’s summary of a tax return after it has been processed and assessed. You receive one for each tax return you file.
It is worth reading rather than treating it as a receipt. The NOA can show whether you have a refund or balance owing, whether the CRA changed anything on the return, and information that may matter for the next tax year.
What is on the NOA?
The CRA describes the NOA as a summary of calculated amounts based on the income, deductions and credits reported on your return. It can also include an explanation of changes and registered-plan information such as RRSP deduction room.
Where can I find it?
CRA My Account is now the main place to access digital notices. Starting in February 2026, the CRA moved further toward digital delivery of notices of assessment and reassessment. You can view or download available notices from your account.
What if the CRA changed my return?
Read the explanation of changes. Sometimes the CRA adjusts a figure because information on file is different from what was reported or because a requested amount was not accepted as filed. If you disagree, do not ignore the notice; review the adjustment and the options available to change a return or dispute an assessment.
Keep it with your tax records
The NOA is often useful when preparing the next return or verifying account information. Save a secure copy with the records for that tax year.
FAQ
Is an NOA the same as a tax return?
No. Your return is what you filed. The NOA is the CRA’s assessment result after processing it.
What is a Notice of Reassessment?
It is an updated notice issued when changes are made to a previously assessed return.
Can I download an NOA online?
Yes. Notices available in CRA My Account can be viewed and downloaded.
Call to action
If your Notice of Assessment is different from the return you expected, GROWS Financial can help you review the changes and decide what needs to happen next.
Related services: Personal Tax.
Related reading: How Can I Check My Tax Refund Status in Canada?
Official sources for fact-checking
Last reviewed: October 21, 2026.