Reading your CRA tax transcript can feel overwhelming—especially with the many codes used by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update the status of your return. These transcript codes play a vital role in understanding whether your return is being processed, if you’re due for a refund, or if there’s a review or audit underway.
As the 2025 tax season progresses, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about what each CRA tax code signifies. By decoding these entries, you can better track your refund, identify delays, and respond promptly to potential issues.
This guide will walk you through the most common CRA tax transcript codes, explain what they mean for your 2025 return, and help you determine the next steps based on what appears on your transcript.
| Code | Description | Implication for Taxpayer |
| 150 | Return filed and assessed | No action required; your return has been successfully processed |
| 151 | Audit initiated | CRA is reviewing your return; you may need to provide additional information |
| 152 | Return processing | Your return is still under review; no immediate action is required |
| 420 | Detailed audit examination | Your return has been selected for an audit; further documentation may be needed |
| 480 | Refund issued | The CRA has processed your refund, and it should arrive shortly |
| 826 | Reassessment issued | Your tax return has been reassessed, possibly due to an error or adjustment |
CRA Tax Transcript Codes 2025: What They Mean for Your Refund
Understanding your CRA tax transcript is essential if you want to stay informed about the status of your 2025 tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses a series of numeric codes to indicate the progress, issues, or actions required for your tax file. Some codes signal standard processing, while others indicate audits, reassessments, or refund approvals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common CRA tax transcript codes, what they mean, and what actions—if any—you should take.
Code 150 – Return Filed and Assessed
- What It Means: Your tax return has been received and assessed by the CRA.
- Implication: No immediate action is needed. This is a good sign that your return is moving through the system normally.
- Next Step: If a refund is due, it should be issued shortly after this code appears.
Code 151 – Audit Initiated
- What It Means: Your return has been flagged for review.
- Implication: The CRA may ask for supporting documents to verify the information on your return.
- Action Required: Monitor your CRA My Account and respond quickly to any information requests. Delays or ignoring audits may lead to penalties or reassessments.
Code 152 – Return Processing
- What It Means: Your return is still being processed and is under internal review.
- Implication: No action is needed yet, but processing times can vary.
- Tip: Check your CRA account regularly for updates and messages.
Code 420 – Detailed Audit Examination
- What It Means: Your tax return has been selected for a full audit.
- Implication: The CRA will conduct a deep review of your income, deductions, and credits.
- Action Required: Gather all receipts, proof of income, and documentation in preparation for contact from the CRA.
Code 480 – Refund Issued
- What It Means: Your tax refund has been approved and processed.
- Implication: Expect a direct deposit or mailed cheque within a few business days.
- Tip: If you don’t receive your refund soon, contact the CRA or check your online account for updates.
Code 826 – Reassessment Issued
- What It Means: The CRA has reassessed your return, resulting in a change to your tax situation.
- Implication: You may owe more taxes or be entitled to an additional refund.
- Action Required: Review the reassessment notice carefully. If you disagree, file a Notice of Objection within 90 days.
How to View CRA Transcript Codes Online
To check your CRA tax transcript and refund status:
- Log in to your CRA My Account.
- Go to “View My Tax Return” or “Account Summary.”
- Find the transcript codes listed under your current return.
- Refer to this guide or the CRA’s official site for clarification.
- Contact CRA if you see concerning codes like 151, 420, or 826.
Common Issues & Quick Solutions
Why is my refund delayed?
- Problem: Seeing Code 152 for an extended time.
- Solution: Log into your CRA account and check for messages. If unsure, call CRA support for clarification.
What if I disagree with a reassessment?
- Problem: Code 826 appears and you owe more tax.
- Solution: You can file a Notice of Objection within 90 days. Consider consulting a tax advisor.
What if I’m selected for an audit?
- Problem: Code 151 or 420 is on your transcript.
- Solution: Be ready to provide documents. Respond to CRA letters promptly to avoid further penalties.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what CRA tax transcript codes mean can save you from stress, delays, and surprises during the 2025 tax season. Whether you’re getting a refund or being audited, staying informed puts you in control.
Frequently Asked Questions About CRA Tax Transcript Codes 2025
Q1: Can I speed up the processing of my CRA tax return?
Yes. To speed up your tax return processing:
- File your return electronically (E-file) through certified software.
- Opt for direct deposit to receive your refund faster.
- Avoid mailing paper returns, as they take significantly longer to process.
Q2: What should I do if I see a tax transcript code I don’t recognize?
If you come across a CRA code not listed in this guide:
- Visit the CRA’s official website for a full list of transcript codes.
- Contact the CRA directly via phone or secure messaging in My Account for clarification.
Q3: How long does it take the CRA to process tax returns?
- E-Filed Returns: Usually processed within 2 weeks.
- Paper Returns: May take 6–8 weeks or more.
- Audits or Reassessments: These can extend processing to several months, depending on the case’s complexity.
Q4: How will I receive my tax refund from the CRA?
- If you’ve signed up for direct deposit, the refund will go straight to your bank account.
- Otherwise, the CRA will send a check by mail.
If your refund is delayed, log in to your CRA My Account to check the current status or contact them for assistance.
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