Law Business Essentials

Your employer information return consists of both a summary and a slip. Depending on the type of income you pay to your employees, you may have to file one or more types of returns. However, the most common information return is the T4.

For information on completing and filing the T4 Slip and Summary Form see the Employers' Guide: Filing the T4 Slip and Summary. For information on other types of information returns see the Completing and Filing Information Returns section.

Your summary and copies of all the individual slips are due to CRA on or before the last day of February following the calendar year to which they apply. The summary shows all the amounts you paid to each employee, all the deductions you have made and all the employer contributions. The summary also requires you to calculate the proper amount of deductions and contributions. You can remit any shortfall in the amount paid when you file the information return. You should attach copies of all individual T4 slips created for each employee to your summary. Depending on the number of employees you have, you may not be able to paper file and may be required to file online.

The T4 slip also must be given to each employee before the last day of February following the calendar year to which they apply. You can deliver the slip by mail, hand or electronically if the employee consents to this method of delivery. Failure to file on time may result in a penalty.

Remember to keep copies of all the information returns, including copies of all the individual slips.