New Trends in Tax Audit Defence and Appeals: Protecting Clients in a Shifting Landscape

The 2025 tax filing year is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with penalties and interest costs on the rise and the CRA facing significant hurdles in managing information during peak filing season. Against this backdrop, the CE Savvy Summit on September 17, 2025 will host a critical session: New Trends in Tax Audit Defence and Appeals, led by Kim G.C. Moody, an experienced tax expert, who will unpack the implications of CRA’s expanding audit powers.

Expanding Authority, Rising Risks

In recent years, CRA auditors have gained significant new rights—both through amendments to the Income Tax Act (Canada) and through evolving case law. These expanded audit powers are also a key focus of recent Federal Budgets and even election platforms, signaling a trend toward greater scrutiny and enforcement. For advisors, this raises an important question: when do CRA auditors cross the line, and what can be done to protect clients when they do?

Best Practices in Audit Defence

This session will offer practical guidance on managing CRA correspondence—an area of increasing importance given the risks of penalties, interest, and miscommunication. Advisors will learn how to spot situations where auditors may overstep their boundaries, how to properly respond, and when the involvement of a tax lawyer is the best course of action.

Leveraging Technology and Data

The CRA is also leveraging advanced technology to identify potential non-compliance. This includes new ways to obtain and analyze taxpayer data, broadening their ability to flag audit targets. Advisors need to understand how these tools are being used and prepare clients accordingly, ensuring that their financial positions are transparent, defensible, and well-documented.

Bonus Case Study

As part of this session, attendees will gain access to a case study on preparing Notices of Objection, highlighting common tips and traps that can make the difference between a successful appeal and one that fails to protect a client’s interests.

Why Advisors Need This Now

With CRA’s audit reach expanding, proactive strategies in audit defence and appeals have never been more critical. Advisors who understand the evolving rules will not only protect their clients but also position themselves as trusted professionals who can deliver confidence in a complex and often intimidating environment.

New Trends in Tax Audit Defence and Appeals, presented by Kim G.C. Moody, experienced tax expert, at the CE Savvy Summit on September 17, 2025, is a must-attend session for advisors committed to providing audit-ready, future-focused advice.

Registration closes soon — secure your spot today to ensure access to this vital session and the complete CE Savvy Summit program. Register by Sept. 10 for early-bird pricing!