The Canada Revenue Agency will review around 200K Canadians' benefits in 2025 — Here's why

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is gearing up for its annual benefits review process in 2025, which means around 200,000 Canadians will receive a letter asking for updated information.

If you get one, don't panic — it's a routine check to ensure that government payments, like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and GST/HST Credit, are being sent to the right people and in the correct amounts.

This yearly process is part of the CRA's efforts to verify details like your marital status, number of dependents or address changes, all of which can impact the benefits you're entitled to. While the idea of getting a letter from the CRA might sound stressful, it doesn't automatically mean you're in trouble or that your payments will stop.

What happens if you get selected for review?

If your benefits are under review, you'll receive a letter from the CRA with a questionnaire or a request for documents to back up your claims. These might include proof of your marital status or childcare responsibilities. Don't ignore it!

The CRA gives you multiple ways to respond — you can upload documents through your My Account portal, send them by mail or even fax them (yes, that's still a thing!).

While your benefits won't be paused during the review, failing to respond could lead to adjustments, including reduced payments or even a request to repay some of the benefits you've already received. Nobody wants that, so it's best to stay on top of it.

How does the CRA decide who gets reviewed?

The CRA insists its selection process is fair and unbiased, using non-discriminatory criteria to flag files. Life changes like moving, getting married or divorced or having a baby could trigger a review.

"The CRA uses impartial and non-discriminatory criteria when selecting files for review, and doesn't target specific communities or groups of people," the agency says. "Files are selected based on risk and whether you’ve had a life event that affects your benefits and credits."

What to do if you need help

If gathering the required documents feels overwhelming or you need more time, the CRA encourages you to call the number in their letter. You can also verify its legitimacy by contacting their general hotline at 1-800-959-8281.

With tax season just around the corner, it's a good time to make sure your details are up to date and you're prepared for any surprises. Staying organized now could save you a lot of hassle later!

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