What documents do you include with your return and what records do you keep
If you are filing your return electronically, keep all receipts and documents in case the CRA asks to see them later. If you are filing a paper return, the information in your paper return will tell you which supporting documents need to be attached, such as certificates, forms, schedules, or receipts. Keep all receipts and documents for at least six years after you file your return as the CRA may request a review.
What records do you keep
You should keep a copy of your return, the related notice of assessment, and any notice of reassessment. These can help you fill out your return for the next year. For example, your notice of assessment or reassessment includes your unused tuition amounts carried forward from prior years. To view your notice of assessment or reassessment online, go to Sign in to your CRA account and log in to My Account.
Slips
If you are filing your return electronically, keep all related documentation. If you are filing a paper return, include one copy of each of your information slips. These slips show the amount of income that was paid to you during the year and the deductions that were withheld from that income. Notes on each slip tell you where to report the income on your return.
Some common information slips are:
- T4 slips, Statement of Remuneration Paid, which show employment income and payroll deductions
- T4A slips, Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity and Other Income, which show scholarship, fellowship, and bursary income, or payments from a registered education savings plan
- T5 slips, Statement of Investment Income, which show investment income such as interest from bank accounts or from Canada Savings Bonds
Note
If you received an amount as a scholarship, bursary, or artists’ project grant, you will be issued a T4A slip indicating the full amount even if you can claim a scholarship exemption to completely eliminate that amount from being included in your income. It is your responsibility to determine the amount of any scholarship exemption that you may be entitled to claim.
Receipts
If you are filing electronically, keep your receipts. If you are filing a paper return, include your receipts for the amounts you are claiming.
Supporting documents
If you are filing electronically, keep all your documents. For example, if you are filing a paper return, attach your completed Schedule 11 but do not send your other documents for the amount claimed on Schedule 11.