Tax Lawyers

A letter from the tax authorities, an audit or a reassessment you disagree with can be stressful, especially when you are not sure what your options are. On this page you can compare tax lawyers, see their rates and availability, and book a consultation online.

What a tax lawyer does

A lawyer who practises tax law helps you understand where you stand with the tax authorities and protects your rights when there is a disagreement. That can mean reviewing a notice of assessment, preparing your response to an audit, filing an objection, negotiating on your behalf, or representing you in court if the dispute goes that far. For businesses, a lawyer can also help with corporate tax planning before a problem arises.

In Quebec, you deal with two tax authorities: the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for federal tax, and Revenu Québec for provincial tax. Each one runs its own audits, assessments and collections, so a problem with one does not automatically settle anything with the other. A lawyer can look at both sides of your file together.

Common tax problems

• Audits: the CRA or Revenu Québec is reviewing your returns, your business records or your expenses.
• Reassessments: you received a new notice of assessment that increases the tax you owe.
• Collections: a tax debt is being collected, sometimes through measures that affect your bank account or income.
• Unfiled returns: you are behind on filing, personally or for your business.
• GST/QST issues: businesses questioned about sales tax collected, claimed or remitted.
• Real estate: tax questions tied to selling a property, rental income or a change of use.

Audit, objection and appeal

If you disagree with an assessment, the usual first step is a notice of objection. Because there are two authorities, you file separately: with the CRA for federal tax and with Revenu Québec for Quebec tax. The deadlines to object are strict and short, so check the date on your notice right away.

If the objection does not resolve the matter, you can appeal. Federal tax appeals go to the Tax Court of Canada, while appeals on Quebec tax go to the Court of Québec. Collection can continue in parallel in some situations, which is one more reason to act early. Throughout the process, a lawyer can communicate and negotiate with the authorities for you, so you are not handling every call and letter alone.

Voluntary disclosure

If you have unreported income or unfiled returns, both the CRA and Revenu Québec have voluntary disclosure programs that let you correct the situation on your own initiative. Each program has conditions, and whether relief is granted depends on your file and on the authority's decision. A lawyer can help you assess whether a disclosure makes sense and prepare it.

What a tax lawyer costs

Each lawyer sets their own rates, and they vary with the complexity of the file and the work involved. On JustiConnect, each lawyer's rates are shown on their profile so you can compare before you book. At your first consultation, ask for an estimate of the total cost for your situation.

An accountant is often the right person to prepare returns and keep your books. A lawyer adds legal advice, confidentiality protected by professional secrecy, and the ability to represent you in court, which matters once there is a dispute, an objection or a risk of penalties.

When to get a lawyer

• You received an audit letter or a reassessment you disagree with.
• You need to file an objection and the deadline is approaching.
• A tax debt is in collection and you want to negotiate.
• You have unreported income or unfiled returns and are considering voluntary disclosure.
• Your business faces questions about GST/QST or its records.
• The case may go to the Tax Court of Canada or the Court of Québec.

Not sure who to pick? Our guide on how to choose a lawyer in Quebec walks you through it.

Compare and book on JustiConnect

Browse the tax lawyers listed below, filter by location, rates and availability, and book a consultation directly. You can also search all tax lawyers or see the tax lawyers in Montreal.

Outside Montreal, you can compare tax lawyers in Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Mirabel.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tax lawyer negotiate with the CRA?

Yes. With your authorization, a lawyer can communicate and negotiate with the CRA, and with Revenu Québec, on your behalf, for example about an audit, an objection or a payment arrangement. The outcome depends on your file.

Do I object to the CRA and Revenu Québec separately?

Yes. Federal and Quebec assessments are separate decisions, so each one needs its own objection, filed with the right authority within its own deadline.

Tax lawyer or accountant?

For filing returns and bookkeeping, an accountant is usually enough. When there is a dispute, a potential penalty, or you need legal advice protected by professional secrecy, a lawyer is the better fit. The two often work together.

What is voluntary disclosure?

It is a way to come forward and correct past tax mistakes or omissions before the authorities contact you. Conditions apply at both the federal and Quebec level, and Éducaloi is a good place to start for plain-language legal information.