How to Respond to a CRA Personal Services Business (PSB) Review Notice
Receiving a CRA Personal Services Business (PSB) review notice can be concerning, but it does not necessarily mean your corporation will be classified as a Personal Services Business. A review is simply the CRA’s way of assessing whether your corporation operates as an independent business or whether the working relationship more closely resembles that of an employee.
The CRA evaluates several factors before making a determination. These include the level of control the client has over your work, who provides the tools and equipment, whether your corporation assumes financial risk, the opportunity to earn a profit, and whether you provide services to multiple clients. The overall relationship—not just the wording of a contract—is considered during the review.
If you receive a PSB review letter, it is important to respond promptly and provide complete, accurate, and organized documentation. The CRA may request contracts, invoices, banking records, business expense details, corporate documents, and other supporting information. Maintaining proper records and presenting your business activities clearly can help ensure the review proceeds efficiently.
Businesses in industries such as trucking, information technology, engineering, construction, consulting, and other professional services are increasingly seeing PSB reviews. Being proactive and understanding your obligations can reduce uncertainty and help protect your corporation.
Preparation is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of complications during a CRA review. Maintaining well-documented contracts, issuing invoices through your corporation, keeping accurate financial records, and demonstrating that your business operates independently can strengthen your position. Regularly reviewing your business structure and working relationships can also help identify potential concerns before they become issues.
Seeking professional advice early can make the review process significantly smoother. Every corporation operates differently, and responding to a CRA review requires careful attention to detail. A well-prepared response supported by the appropriate documentation helps ensure that your business is accurately represented throughout the review process.
At Assentt, we help incorporated businesses understand CRA requirements, assess potential PSB risks, review documentation, and prepare professional responses to CRA review notices. Our experienced team works closely with clients to ensure they are well prepared and supported throughout the review process.
If your corporation has received a CRA PSB review notice, contact Assentt for professional guidance and practical solutions tailored to your business.
