Filing methods

On this page

• Electronic filing methods
  • Filing by Web Forms
  • Filing by Internet file transfer (XML)
  • Web access code
  • Filing without a web access code
• Filing on paper

Electronic filing methods

Internet filing will be available starting January 9, 2023.

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

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, additional, 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 you can save and import at a later date
• print all your slips and your summary
• validate data in real time

After you submit your information return, you will receive a confirmation number that will be your proof that the CRA 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.

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 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.

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 the total submission does not exceed the 150 MB restriction.

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.

Web access code

To file your return over the Internet using the Internet file transfer or Web Forms services, you will need a business number and its associated WAC, unless you are filing through My Business Account or Represent a Client. For more information about these services, see Filing without a web access code. If you do not remember your code or you need a code for a new account, go to Online Web access code to access the web access code online service or call the e-Services Helpdesk at 1-800-959-5525.

Filing without a web access code

To register as a business owner, go to My Business Account and do the following:

• Select "CRA Register" and create a your CRA user ID and password. You can also select “Sign‑In Partner Login/Register” and use the same sign‑in information you use for other online services, such as online banking.
• To register, you will need to provide the following information:
  • your social insurance number (SIN)
  • your date of birth
  • your postal code or ZIP code
  • an amount you entered on your income tax and benefit return
  • your business number (BN)
• You must enter a CRA security code to finalize the registration process. You can ask for the CRA security code by paper mail or email.
• Return to My Business Account, to enter your CRA security code.

To register as a representative, go to Represent a Client and do the following: 

• Select "CRA Register" and create a CRA user ID and password. You can also select “Sign‑In Partner Login/Register” and use the same sign‑in information you use for other online services, such as online banking
• To register, you will need to provide the following information:
  • your access  code from your notice of assessment
  • your postal code or ZIP code
• Register as the business owner (using your BN) or as yourself and receive a representative identifier (RepID), or create a group of representatives and receive a group identifier (GroupID).

Once you are registered as the business owner, or registered and authorized as a representative, an employee, or a group of employees, you will be able to file or amend T4A-NR slips without a Web access code.

If you are a non‑resident representative living in the United States, you will need to provide your non‑resident representative number (NRRN) and your ZIP code. To apply for an NRRN, you must submit Form RC391, Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Non‑Resident Representative Number (NRRN).

Filing on paper

If you file 1 to 50 slips, the CRA strongly encourages you to file over the Internet using Internet file transfer or Filling by 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 9 single-page slips at Forms and publications or by calling
1-800-959-5525. There are two slips per page intended for printers, for typing, or to be filled out by hand.

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

T4A-NR Program
Jonquière Tax Centre
Post Office Box 1300 LCD Jonquière
Jonquière QC  G7S 0L5
Canada

Fill out one copy of the T4A-NR slip for each recipient and include it with your T4A-NR Summary. Enter the information for two recipients on one sheet. You must keep the information from the T4A-NR slip and T4A-NR Summary or a copy of these forms for your files.