A comfort letter confirms that a business's CRA program accounts are in good standing. It is most commonly requested by financial institutions (lending institutions) and lawyers. For example, a bank could request a comfort letter from the CRA for a business before granting a loan. Persons who are considering purchasing real property or a business from a person may also request one.

This type of letter is different from a request for a clearance certificate.

Eligibility

A comfort letter applies to the following CRA program accounts:

• corporate income tax (RC)
• payroll deductions (RP)
• GST/HST (RT) program accounts (except for businesses resident in the province of Quebec)