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 more information about T4 slips, the Summary and information return see T-4 - Information for employers.

 

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. Remit any shortfall in the amount paid, when you file the information return. Attach to your summary copies of all individual T4 slips created for each employee. 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 must also 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 or by hand, or electronically if the employee consents to this method of delivery. Failure to deliver T4 slips to your employees on time may result in a penalty.

 

Keep copies of all the information returns, including copies of all the individual slips.

 

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