Bad CRA service or disagree with a tax assessment? These are different processes. Covers the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson and Notice of Objection routes.
How CRA treated you
Rude staff, unreasonable delays, unclear information, or a process CRA didn't follow properly. This goes to the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson.
What CRA says you owe
You disagree with the amount on a Notice of (Re)assessment. This goes through a formal Notice of Objection — strict deadlines apply.
If It's About Service
Step 1 — CRA Service Feedback Program
Raise it with the CRA directly first — call the number on your correspondence, or ask to speak with a supervisor.
Step 2 — Taxpayers' Ombudsperson
If it's still unresolved, or you're unsatisfied with CRA's response, escalate here. This office reviews service quality only — not whether an assessment is correct.
Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson — 1-866-586-3839 →If It's About an Assessment
File a Notice of Objection
Generally due within 90 days of the date on your Notice of (Re)assessment — for individuals, whichever is later of that or one year after your filing deadline. Missing it can permanently end your right to object, though a late-filing request exists within a further limited window.
File an Objection — Canada.ca →Where ComplaintCA Fits
ComplaintCA doesn't replace the CRA, the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson, or the objection process — it helps you draft a clear, factual complaint or objection letter, in one of 7 supported languages, once you know which track your issue actually belongs on.
No need to read this whole guide — Asya can ask a few questions and tell you the right track in seconds.
Start with Asya Now →Frequently Asked
I had a bad experience with a CRA agent — where do I complain?
Start with the CRA's Service Feedback Program, then the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson at 1-866-586-3839 if unresolved.
Is disputing my assessment the same process?
No — that's a Notice of Objection, a completely different, deadline-driven process.
How long do I have to object?
Generally 90 days from the notice date, or for individuals, one year after your filing deadline — whichever is later.
What is ComplaintCA?
A Canadian civic complaint platform that routes you to the correct authority, with AI-assisted drafting in 7 languages, an MP finder, a lawyer panel, and cyber crime reporting support.
I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?
Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.
Sources & Verification
This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:
Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.