Invalid SIN or SIN/surname problem report
1. Overview
An invalid SIN or SIN/surname problem report identifies invalid or missing social insurance numbers (SINs) or valid SINs with surnames that do not match.
These reports are cumulative and refreshed monthly, and consist of invalid SINs and SIN-surname mismatches to identify where there may be identification issues on the information slips that the filer has submitted to the CRA. These are not rejected slips; the slips originally filed are accepted and processed normally. There are no compliance actions, follow-up, refiling requirements, or penalties associated with these reports at this time. The CRA encourages filers to use this feature as an educational tool, file amendments where applicable, and improve data quality in future filings.
2. Reporting year
This is the tax year, not the year in which the return was filed.
3. Return type
This is the type of return containing an error (for example, T4, T5, T5007, etc.).
4. Confirmation number
This is the number given to you on the page that confirmed receipt of your return.
5. Slip identification number
This is the number the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assigned to the slip when it processed your return.
6. Reported SIN
These are the last three digits of the SIN reported on the slip at the time of filing.
7. Reported name
This is the name reported on the slip at the time of filing.
8. Error description
This is the description of the error found on the slip after the validation process.
Invalid SIN:
- the SIN is not in the Social Insurance Register
- the SIN field is blank or 0s were entered
- SIN digits are reversed
- Examples:
- SIN is not in correct format – must be numeric.
- A12345678
- SIN is not in correct format – less than 9 digits.
- 12345678
- SIN digits are reversed
- Reported 132456789, should be 123456789.
- Reported 123789456, should be 123456789.
- SIN is missing
- SIN has not been entered on the slip.
- SIN has been entered as 000 000 000.
SIN/surname mismatch
The SIN and the surname entered are not a match in CRA records.
- Examples:
- Surname is missing
- Surname has not been entered on the slip.
- Surname has changed
- A common error could be using a maiden name or married name that has not been updated on CRA records. If this is the case, the individual should contact CRA to update their surname.
- Name/Surname reversal
- Doe John was reported but should be John Doe.