Electronic filing methods

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Electronic filing methods

Internet filing will be available starting January 9, 2017.

You must file information returns by Internet if you file more than 50 information returns (slips) for a calendar year.

If you use commercial or in-house developed software to manage your business, you can file up to 150 MB by Internet file transfer. For example, a service bureau can file multiple returns in one submission provided that the total submission does not exceed the 150 MB restriction.

Note

If your return is more than 150 MB, you can either compress your return or divide it so that each submission is no more than 150 MB.

Filing by Web Forms

Our Web Forms application is free and secure. To use it, all you need is access to the Internet. With Web Forms you can fill out an information return easily, following the step-by-step instructions.

Web Forms lets you:

  • file up to 100 slips (original, amended, or cancelled) from our website;
  • calculate all of the totals for the summary;
  • create an electronic information return containing slips and a summary, which can be saved and imported at a later date;
  • print all your slips and your summary; and
  • validate data in real time.

After you submit your information return, you will receive a confirmation number that will be your proof that we received it.

To use the Web Forms application, you must have a web access code. If you do not have a web access code, you can easily get one online or by calling us. For more information, see Web access code below.

To start using this application or to get more information about Web Forms, go to Web Forms.

Filing by Internet file transfer (XML)

Internet file transfer allows you to transmit an original or amended information return with a maximum file size of 150 MB. All you need is a Web browser to connect to the Internet, and your software will create, print, and save your electronic information return in XML format. For more information about this filing method, contact your software publisher or go to Filing Information Returns Electronically.

Web access code

To file your return over the Internet using either the Internet file transfer or Web Forms services, you will need a web access code (WAC), unless you are filing through My Business Account or Represent a Client. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is no longer mailing web access code letters; as a result, you can use the WAC that was issued for the 2012 tax year to file future information returns. If you have misplaced or do not have a WAC, you can obtain one at Filing information returns electronically by selecting “Need a Web access code.” If you cannot obtain your WAC online or would like to change it, you can call the e-Services Helpdesk at 1-800-959-5525.

Filing without a Web access code

You can also file your information returns without a Web access code using the "File a return" service and selecting either the "Web Forms" (up to 100 slips) or "Internet file transfer (XML)" (up to 150MB) option at:

Log in to My Business Account using your CRA user ID and password, or the Sign-in Partner option. To register, you will need to provide:

  • your social insurance number (SIN);
  • your date of birth;
  • your postal or ZIP code;
  • an amount you entered on your income tax and benefit return (the line request will vary). It could be from either the current or previous tax year; and
  • your business number (BN).

You should receive your CRA security code within 5 to 10 days. We will mail it to the address we have on file for you. The separate mailing of the security code is a measure used to protect you from identity theft and to ensure the security of your personal information.

Filing on paper

If you file 1 to 50, we strongly encourage you to file over the Internet using Internet file transfer or Web Forms. However, you can still file up to 50 slips on paper.

If you need more paper copies, you can order a maximum of 50 single-page slips that have three slips per page intended for printers, for typing, or to be filled out by hand, at www.cra.gc.ca/forms or by calling 1-800-959-5525.

If you choose to file your return on paper, mail it to:

Ottawa Technology Centre
875 Heron Road
Ottawa ON K1A 1G9

Fill out one copy of the T4RSP or T4RIF slip for each recipient and send them with your T4RSP or T4RIF Summary. Enter the information for three different recipients on one sheet. You must keep a copy of the T4RSP or T4RIF slips and the T4RSP or T4RIF Summary for your files.

Filing using computer-printed (customized) forms

For those who fill out a large numbers of slips, we accept certain slips other than our own. In order to ensure accuracy, follow the guidelines for the production of customized forms or see Information Circular IC97-2, Customized Forms.

Due date

You have to file a T4RSP or T4RIF information return by the last day of February following the calendar year to which the information return applies. If the last day of February is a Saturday or Sunday, your return is due on the next business day. If you discontinue your business or activity, you have to file a return for the year or part-year no later than 30 days after the date the business or activity ended.

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Date modified:
2016-10-24