If you’ve noticed CRA Code 960 on your tax account, it’s natural to wonder whether it affects your refund or indicates a problem with your return. In most cases, CRA account codes are internal processing indicators used by the agency during the assessment, review, or administration of tax accounts. The meaning of Code 960 can vary depending on the specific context of your account and any related CRA activity.
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Quick Answer
| Question | Answer |
| What is CRA Code 960? | An internal CRA account or processing code. |
| Does it automatically mean a problem? | No. |
| Does it always affect refunds? | Not necessarily. |
| Should you review CRA messages? | Yes. |
| Should you contact CRA immediately? | Only if additional information is needed or delays occur. |
The most important step is to review any notices, messages, or correspondence associated with the code rather than focusing on the code number alone.
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What Does CRA Code 960 Mean?
CRA Code 960 is generally an internal processing or account management code used by the CRA as part of its administrative systems.
Unlike some well-known assessment or review codes, Code 960 does not automatically indicate:
- A penalty
- A reassessment
- An audit
- A tax debt
- A denied refund
Instead, the code is often associated with activity occurring within the CRA’s processing system.
Because CRA internal codes can appear in different contexts, the surrounding account information is often more important than the code itself.
Where Can You Find CRA Code 960?
Taxpayers may encounter Code 960 in places such as:
- CRA My Account
- Account transcripts
- Tax account activity records
- Internal account updates
- Certain CRA correspondence
The exact location can vary depending on how the account information is being viewed.
If the code appears alongside other notices or messages, reviewing those details usually provides more useful information than the code itself.
Why Did CRA Add Code 960 to My Account?
There are several reasons a CRA account code may be added during processing.
Potential explanations include:
- Routine account updates
- Internal processing activities
- Administrative reviews
- Return assessment procedures
- Account maintenance actions
- System-generated status changes
In many situations, taxpayers never need to take any action after seeing Code 960.
The code alone does not explain the specific reason for the update, which is why reviewing any related CRA communication is important.
Does CRA Code 960 Affect Your Tax Refund?
Not necessarily.
Code 960 by itself does not automatically:
- Delay a refund
- Reduce a refund
- Cancel a refund
- Trigger a reassessment
However, if the code appears as part of a broader review or processing event, refund timing could be affected by whatever activity the CRA is performing.
To determine whether your refund is impacted, review:
| Item to Check | Why It Matters |
| CRA account messages | May explain the status |
| Notice of Assessment | Shows final tax calculation |
| Refund status | Indicates whether payment is pending |
| CRA correspondence | May request information |
The code itself is usually not enough to determine refund status.
Does CRA Code 960 Mean There Is a Problem With Your Return?
Usually not.
Many taxpayers assume that any CRA code means there is an issue with their return. In reality, internal account codes often reflect routine administrative activity.
Code 960 does not automatically mean:
- Your return was rejected
- Additional taxes are owed
- A penalty has been assessed
- You are under audit
If there is a specific concern with your return, the CRA will generally communicate it through a notice, letter, or account message.
What Happens After CRA Code 960 Appears?
The next step depends on the reason the code was added.
Possible outcomes include:
Normal Processing Continues
Many returns proceed through assessment without any further action.
Notice of Assessment Issued
The CRA may complete processing and issue an assessment.
Refund Processed
If a refund is owed, payment may be released.
Additional Review
In some situations, the CRA may perform further verification before finalizing the return.
Most taxpayers who see Code 960 will eventually receive additional account updates explaining the final outcome.
What Should You Do If You See CRA Code 960?
If Code 960 appears on your account:
- Review all recent CRA messages.
- Check your Notice of Assessment status.
- Look for any document requests.
- Monitor your refund or balance information.
- Keep copies of recent tax filings and supporting records.
In many cases, simply waiting for the CRA to complete processing is all that is required.
Not Sure What the Code Means?
Many CRA account codes can appear without much explanation, which can understandably cause concern. If Code 960 appears alongside refund delays, account adjustments, or requests from the CRA, MaxPro Financials can help review your account activity and determine whether any action is needed.
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When Should You Contact CRA About Code 960?
You may want to contact the CRA if:
- Your refund is significantly delayed.
- You receive a notice you do not understand.
- The code remains without explanation for an extended period.
- The CRA requests information.
- Your account shows unexpected changes.
Before contacting the CRA, gather any notices, assessments, and account information that may be relevant.
When Should You Seek Professional Tax Advice?
Professional assistance may be beneficial when:
- Significant refunds are involved
- Multiple CRA codes appear simultaneously
- A reassessment has been issued
- Business income is involved
- Rental property income is involved
- The CRA requests extensive documentation
- You disagree with a CRA decision
At MaxPro Financials, we help individuals, self-employed professionals, investors, and business owners across British Columbia understand CRA account activity, respond to CRA requests, resolve tax issues, and navigate complex tax situations. If you’re unsure whether Code 960 requires action, our team can help you review the details and understand your options.
FAQ
Is CRA Code 960 a penalty code?
No. Code 960 is not generally considered a penalty code.
Does Code 960 mean my refund was denied?
No. The code itself does not indicate that a refund has been denied.
Is Code 960 related to an audit?
Not necessarily. The appearance of Code 960 alone does not mean you are being audited.
Can I ignore Code 960?
You should not ignore your CRA account, but the code itself often does not require immediate action unless accompanied by additional notices.
How long will Code 960 stay on my account?
There is no standard timeline. It depends on the underlying account activity and CRA processing.
Will the CRA contact me if they need documents?
Yes. The CRA will generally send a letter, notice, or account message if additional information is required.
Does Code 960 affect future tax returns?
By itself, it does not typically affect future filings.
Should I call the CRA as soon as I see Code 960?
Not always. First review your CRA account, messages, and assessment information. If there is no explanation or if significant delays occur, contacting the CRA or a tax professional may be worthwhile.