T4FHSA annual information return

Find out about the reporting requirements for the T4FHSA annual information return and how to transfer between specimen plans or report a change to a first home savings account (FHSA) contract number.

Registering an FHSA

The issuer will file with the Minister of National Revenue (“the Minister”) an election to register the qualifying arrangement  as an FHSA. The election will be filed via the T4FHSA annual information return under the social insurance number (SIN) or temporary tax number (TTN) of the qualifying individual. The election must be filed before March of the calendar year following the calendar year the arrangement was entered into.

What needs to be reported in the T4FHSA annual information return

A T4FHSA annual information return includes the T4FHSA individual records and the T4FHSA return summary.

You must fill out a return for each FHSA identification number under which one or more FHSAs exist at any time in the year.

Once an FHSA is opened, an individual T4FHSA record must be filed every year even if:

•       there has been no activity during the reporting year

•      there are no funds in the account

Until an individual T4FHSA record is filed with an indication that the account has been closed in the year, the account will be considered open unless the account ceases to be an FHSA.

The information (data elements) required to process each individual record is described in the T4FHSA data elements.

Do not prepare a T4FHSA individual record if the FHSA was reported as closed in the prior year’s T4FHSA individual record. Once an FHSA is reported as closed, you cannot reopen it.

T4FHSA individual record

The T4FHSA individual record is used to report the information as listed in Appendix A – T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA individual electronic record.

T4FHSA return summary

The T4FHSA return summary is used to report the totals of the amounts you reported on all the related T4FHSA individual records under the FHSA identification number. The totals must agree with the amounts you reported in the T4FHSA individual records. Any discrepancies will cause the T4FHSA annual information return to be rejected.

To complete the T4FHSA return summary, go to Appendix B – T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA return summary.

What could cause a return or an individual record to be rejected

We strongly recommend that you use a validating parser before submitting the XML file to ensure that it conforms to the schema.

Any information that does not conform to the schema will cause the T4FHSA annual information return or the individual record to be rejected.

For example:

• Reporting a negative amount in a field that does not accept negative values.
• Inversions in the month and day format. All dates must be provided in a YYYY–MM–DD format.
• If a field is identified as required and it is left blank.

A rejected record is an individual record that has failed our validations but has been stored in our database and for which we are expecting an amended record.

More information about the error codes and descriptive messages for rejected records will be available at a later date.

An amended record is filed to make a change to a previously filed record (original or amended). When an original record is rejected to the issuer, the issuer should file an amendment. The change can relate to the identification of the holder or to any of the transactions related to that contract.

Failure to file an amended record in the case of an FHSA opened during the reporting year may result in the account not being registered as an FHSA and the client being subject to tax on the investment earnings. For example, if an FHSA was opened in 2023 and the record for that tax year was rejected, an amended record will need to be filed for the same tax year. 

Failure to file an amended record, whether or not the FHSA was opened in the reporting year, can also affect the calculation and notification of an individual's FHSA participation room .

Transfer between specimen plans

For situations where qualifying arrangements are bulk transferred between specimen plans (whether or not there is a change in issuer) both transferring and receiving institutions should keep an internal record of the transfers.

If you are an issuer that is transferring qualifying arrangements to another specimen plan, you must report the following fields on the T4FHSA annual information return for the account that is being transferred out:

• Fair market value (FMV) immediately prior to the transfer out
• FHSA transfer out
• Total FHSA transfers out
• Calendar year end FMV
• FHSA account closed indicator
• FHSA close date

This indicates that all the property in the old account has been transferred out and the account has been closed.

If you are an issuer that is receiving qualifying arrangements as a result of a transfer between specimen plans, you must report the following fields on the T4FHSA annual information return for the account that is being transferred into: 

• New FHSA account indicator
• FHSA transfer in
• Total FHSA transfers in
• Calendar year end FMV

• Example – How to report a transfer between specimen plans

  Qualifying arrangements set up for specimen plan A (FHSA ID 1234567) are transferred to specimen plan B (FHSA ID 3456789) as of June 30, 2023. All transactions that occurred on or before the date of the transfer must be reported under specimen plan A (FHSA ID 1234567) to show the property being transferred out of specimen plan A. The following fields will be reported by the issuer of specimen plan A:

  • FMV immediately prior to the transfer out
  • FHSA transfer out
  • Total FHSA transfers out
  • Calendar year end FMV
  • FHSA account closed indicator: Y
  • FHSA close date: 2023-06-30

  Any transactions that occur after the June 30, 2023, closing date must be reported under specimen plan B (FHSA ID 3456789) to show the property that was transferred into specimen plan B.

  The following fields will be reported by the issuer of specimen plan B:

  • New FHSA account indicator: Y
  • FHSA transfer in
  • Total FHSA transfers in
  • Calendar year end FMV

Change to an FHSA contract number

A holder’s FHSA contract consists of the combination of both the contract number and the FHSA identification number. If either number or both are changed, it represents a change to a holder’s contract.

An FHSA contract number may change when qualifying arrangements are bulk transferred between specimen plans.

T4FHSA Data Elements

The information (data elements) required to process an information return is described in Appendix A and B.

When a monetary value is required, you must report the amount in Canadian dollars and cents. For more information, go to Income Tax Folio S5-F4-C1, Income Tax Reporting Currency. You must make reasonable efforts to determine the FMV when it is required to be reported. Do not report negative values, unless specified for the data field. Negative values on the T4FHSA electronic record will result in the record being rejected.

• Appendix A - T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA individual electronic record

  T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA individual electronic record

  T4FHSA Data elements – FHSA individual electronic record

  T4FHSA transaction data field	Reporting requirements
  Transaction date  (year–month–day)	Enter all numeric characters (for example, 2023-09-28). You must enter the transaction date of each individual transaction.
  Contribution	Each contribution must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. Note: Only FHSA holders are permitted to make contributions to their FHSA.
  Qualifying withdrawal	Each qualifying withdrawal must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. A qualifying withdrawal is made from an FHSA for the purpose of building or purchasing a qualifying home. Qualifying withdrawals may be withdrawn on a tax-free basis in a single withdrawal or a series of withdrawals. Note: For each qualifying withdrawal the prescribed form RC725, Request to Make a Qualifying Withdrawal from your FHSA must be completed.
  Taxable withdrawal	Each taxable withdrawal must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. A taxable withdrawal is a withdrawal from an FHSA for any purpose other than a qualifying withdrawal, a designated amount, or an amount otherwise included in income. This field must be reported when a taxable withdrawal is made by a resident of Canada.
  Income tax deducted	Income tax deducted must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This field must be reported for a resident of Canada when tax is withheld by the FHSA issuer on a taxable payment to the recipient.
  FHSA transfer in	Each FHSA transfer in FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the FHSA transfer in amount. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred in to the holder’s FHSA from another of their FHSAs.
  FHSA transfer out	Each FHSA transfer out FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the FHSA transfer out amount. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the holder’s FHSA to another of their FHSAs. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s FHSA (Bank A) to another of their FHSAs (Bank B), use form RC721, Transfer from your FHSA to your FHSA, RRSP or RRIF.
  RRSP transfer in	Each RRSP transfer in FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the transfer in amount from the holder’s RRSP. This field must be reported when an FHSA holder (not deceased) transfers an amount from their RRSP to their FHSA. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s RRSP to their FHSA, use form RC720, Transfer from your RRSP to your FHSA.
  Spousal RRSP transfer in	Each spousal RRSP transfer in FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the transfer in amount from the holder’s spousal or common-law partner’s RRSP. This field must be reported when an FHSA holder (not deceased) transfers an amount from their spousal or common-law partner’s RRSP to their FHSA. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s spousal RRSP to their FHSA, use form RC720, Transfer from your RRSP to your FHSA.
  Fair market value immediately prior to the transfer out	FMV immediately prior to each transfer out transaction must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. The FMV of the account must be reported by the FHSA issuer before a transfer out transaction takes place. This field will need to be completed anytime the following transactions occur:  FHSA transfer out  RRSP/RRIF transfer out  Designated - RRSP/RRIF transfer out Marriage breakdown - FHSA transfer out  Marriage breakdown - RRSP/RRIF transfer out  FHSA transfer out to survivor RRSP/RRIF transfer out to survivor
  RRSP/RRIF transfer out	Each RRSP/RRIF transfer out FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the transfer out amount to an RRSP or RRIF. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the holder’s FHSA to their RRSP/RRIF. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s FHSA to their RRSP or RRIF, use form RC721, Transfer from your FHSA to your FHSA, RRSP or RRIF.
  Survivor FHSA transfer in	Each Survivor FHSA transfer in FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the Survivor FHSA transfer in amount. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred in to the survivor’s FHSA (not a successor holder situation) from a deceased holder’s FHSA.
  FHSA transfer out to survivor	Each FHSA transfer out to survivor FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the FHSA transfer out amount. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the deceased holder’s FHSA to a survivor's FHSA (not a successor holder situation). Note: For each direct transfer from a deceased holder’s FHSA to a survivor’s FHSA, use form RC722, Transfer from an FHSA to an FHSA, RRSP or RRIF After the Death of the Holder.
  RRSP/RRIF transfer out to survivor	Each RRSP/RRIF transfer out to survivor FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the transfer out amount to an RRSP or RRIF. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the deceased holder's FHSA to a survivor's RRSP/RRIF (not a successor holder situation). Note: For each direct transfer from a deceased holder’s FHSA to a survivor’s RRSP or RRIF, use form RC722, Transfer from an FHSA to an FHSA, RRSP or RRIF After the Death of the Holder.
  Designated – RRSP/RRIF transfer out	Each designated – RRSP/RRIF transfer out FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that completes the Designated transfer out of the holder’s FHSA to their RRSP or RRIF. This field must be reported when an FHSA holder reduces/eliminates an excess FHSA amount by returning an amount to their RRSP or RRIF. Note: For each designated transfer from the holder’s FHSA to their RRSP or RRIF the prescribed form RC727, Designate an Excess FHSA Amount as a Withdrawal from your FHSA or as a Transfer to your RRSP or RRIF must be completed.
  Designated – withdrawal	Each designated – withdrawal must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that completes the Designated withdrawal transaction. This field must be reported when an FHSA holder reduces/eliminates an excess FHSA amount through a tax-free withdrawal. Note: For each designated withdrawal from the holder’s FHSA the prescribed form RC727, Designate an Excess FHSA Amount as a Withdrawal from your FHSA or as a Transfer to your RRSP or RRIF must be completed.
  FHSA beneficiary distribution out	Each FHSA beneficiary distribution out must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the deceased holder’s FHSA issuer on the deceased holder’s record. This field must be reported on the deceased holder’s record to reflect the total amount that was distributed to all beneficiaries upon the death of a holder.
  FHSA beneficiary distribution received	Each FHSA beneficiary distribution received must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the deceased holder’s FHSA issuer on the beneficiary’s record. This field must be reported on the beneficiary's record to reflect the amount that the beneficiary has received upon the death of a holder. This field must be reported when an FHSA beneficiary distribution is received by a resident of Canada. This field must be reported when an amount was distributed from the deceased holder's estate to the survivor as a result of the survivor having a beneficial interest in the deceased holder’s estate. Note: This field must be reported when the beneficiary indicator is “Y”.
  Amount deemed received on FHSA cessation	Each amount deemed received on FHSA cessation FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This field must be reported for a resident of Canada when an arrangement ceases to be an FHSA and the FMV of the account is greater than nil at the time of cessation. If the FHSA holder is not deceased, the FHSA issuer must report the FMV of all property in the account immediately before cessation on the FHSA holder's record. If the holder is deceased and there is no successor holder, the proportion of the FMV of the remaining property in the FHSA at the time it ceased to be an FHSA to which the beneficiary is entitled to must be reported on a beneficiary record.
  FHSA deemed transfer	Each FHSA deemed transfer must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the FHSA deemed transfer amount. This field must be reported when an amount was transferred from the deceased holder's estate to the survivor’s FHSA as a result of the survivor having a beneficial interest in the deceased holder’s estate. Note: For each amount to be deemed as a transfer from the deceased holder’s FHSA, the prescribed form RC724, Joint Designation for a Deemed Transfer or Distribution from an FHSA After the Death of the Holder must be completed.
  Security for a loan	Each security for a loan must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This field must be reported if a trust governed by an FHSA uses or permits to be used any FHSA property as security for a loan. The FHSA issuer must report the FMV of the property at the time the FHSA property is used as security for a loan. This must be included in computing the income of the holder for the year. If an FHSA property ceases to be pledged as security for a loan, an amount may be deductible by the holder in the year the property ceases to be security for a loan. The FHSA issuer must report any applicable deduction as a negative amount. Note: A negative value will be permitted for this field.
  Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer in	Each marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer in FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that receives the transfer in amount from an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred in to the former spouse’s or common-law partner’s FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership.
  Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer out	Each marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer out FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the transfer out amount to an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the holder’s FHSA to their former spouse’s or common-law partner’s FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s FHSA to their former spouse’s or common-law partner’s FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership, use form RC723, Transfer from an FHSA to another FHSA, RRSP or RRIF on Breakdown of Marriage or Common-law Partnership.
  Marriage breakdown – RRSP/RRIF transfer out	Each marriage breakdown – RRSP/RRIF transfer out FMV must be detailed by day from January 1 to December 31. This transaction must be reported by the FHSA issuer that sends the transfer out amount to an RRSP or RRIF as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported when an amount is transferred out of the holder’s FHSA to their former spouse’s or common-law partner’s RRSP or RRIF as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. Note: For each direct transfer from the holder’s FHSA to their former spouse’s or common-law partner’s RRSP or RRIF as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership, use form RC723, Transfer from an FHSA to another FHSA, RRSP or RRIF on Breakdown of Marriage or Common-law Partnership.
  Family name of former spouse or common- law partner	Enter the former spouse’s or common-law partner’s family name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). Omit titles, such as Mr. or Mrs., and do not include the first given name or initials.  The family name reported by the FHSA issuer must match the family name stored in our database for that SIN. You may want to advise your client that if they make a family name change, they have to inform both the CRA and the FHSA issuer. The FHSA issuer must report this field on the FHSA holder's record when there is a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported on the FHSA holder’s record for a: Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer out Marriage breakdown – RRSP/RRIF transfer out Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer in
  Given name of former spouse or common-law partner	Enter the former spouse’s or common-law partner’s first given name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). If only the initials are available, provide the first initial.  The FHSA issuer must report this field on the FHSA holder's record when there is a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported on the FHSA holder’s record for a: Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer out  Marriage breakdown – RRSP/RRIF transfer out Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer in.
  Former spouse or common-law partner social insurance number	Enter the former spouse’s or common-law partner’s SIN or TTN in this field. A valid TTN starts with the number 01 or 03. The FHSA issuer must report this field on the FHSA holder's record when there is a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership. This field must be reported on the FHSA holder’s record for a: Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer out Marriage breakdown – RRSP/RRIF transfer out Marriage breakdown – FHSA transfer in
  Acquisition of non-qualified investment	The FMV must be reported by the FHSA issuer when a non-qualified investment is acquired or when a qualified investment becomes non-qualified.
  Disposition of non-qualified investment	The FMV must be reported by the FHSA issuer when a non-qualified investment is disposed of or when a non-qualified investment becomes qualified.
  Unique slip number (USN)	The FHSA issuer must create a unique slip number for each record that is filed. The unique slip number (USN) must be unique for the tax year, filer account number, FHSA Identification number, Recipient SIN, and FHSA contract number. The same USN must be used for amended or cancelled records. The USN (maximum of 20 alphanumeric characters) can contain letters, numbers and hyphens (-). The USN cannot begin or end with a hyphen and cannot have more than 7 consecutive numbers. Do not include the Recipient’s SIN or the filer account number in the USN.
  Slip report type code	The three possible slip report type codes are as follows: O = Original A = Amendment C = Cancelled An amended return can contain an amended record and a cancelled record. An amended return cannot contain an original record. An original return cannot contain an amended or cancelled record.
  Filer account number	The filer account number must correspond to the filer account number on the related T4FHSA summary record. 15 alphanumeric characters – 9 digits – RP – 4 digits. Example: 123456789RP0001
  FHSA identification number	The FHSA identification number is a number which has been assigned to each specimen plan that has been accepted by the Registered Plans Directorate. It is 8 numeric characters and must correspond to the T4FHSA identification number on the related FHSA summary record. Note: If this field is left blank or the number is not valid, the return will be rejected.
  FHSA contract number	The FHSA contract number is a unique account number which has been assigned to each FHSA holder by the issuer under the FHSA identification number. The FHSA contract number can be a maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters, the following special characters are permitted:  (-) (.) (&) (') (") (#) (/) The FHSA issuer must report this account number in the same format every year to avoid any rejects. The contract number enables the issuer to identify which record in the submission was rejected. Note: The successor holder must reuse the deceased holder’s FHSA contract number. The FHSA contract number field must be zeroes for the beneficiary record. If this field is left blank or the contract number is not unique, the return will be rejected.
  Recipient social insurance number	Enter the SIN or the individual’s TTN in this field. A valid TTN starts with the number 01 or 03. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient family name	Enter only the recipient’s family name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). Omit titles, such as Mr. or Mrs., and do not include the first given name or initials.  The family name reported by the FHSA issuer must match the family name stored in our database for that SIN. You may want to advise your client that if they make a family name change they have to inform both the CRA and the FHSA issuer. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient given name	Enter only the recipient’s first given name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). If only the initials are available, provide the first initial. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient initial	Enter the initial of the recipient’s second given name. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient address - line 1	Enter the first line of the recipient’s address. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient address - line 2	Enter the second line of the recipient’s address. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient city	Enter the city in which the recipient is located. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient province or territory code	Enter the Canadian province, territory or the state in the USA in which the recipient is located. When the recipient’s country code is neither CAN nor USA, enter ZZ in this field. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient country code	Enter the country code where the recipient is located. Use the alphabetic country code (3 alpha characters), as outlined in the International Standards Organization (ISO) 3166, Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions. Always use CAN for Canada, and USA for the United States of America. The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient postal code	Enter the recipient’s Canadian postal code in alphanumeric sequence (for example: A9A9A9), or the USA zip code. Where the country code is neither CAN nor the USA, enter the foreign postal code (maximum of 10 alphanumeric characters). The recipient can be the FHSA holder, the successor holder, or the beneficiary.
  Recipient date of birth  (year-month-day)	Enter all numeric characters (for example 1998-02-28). Note: This field is not required for the beneficiary record but must still be reported. Enter zeros.
  Recipient date of death (year-month-day)	Enter all numeric characters (for example 2023-09-28). Fill out this field in the year of death of the FHSA holder (including successor holder). Note: If the FMV at time of death is reported, the date of death must also be reported. This field does not need to be reported for the beneficiary record.
  Fair market value at time of death	Fill out this field for the year of death of the FHSA holder. The FMV is to be calculated as of the end of the day on the date of death. Note: If the recipient date of death is reported, the FMV at time of death must also be reported. This field does not need to be reported for the beneficiary record.
  New FHSA account indicator	Each time an arrangement is entered into, the FHSA issuer is required to file an election to register the arrangement as an FHSA under the SIN or TTN of the holder. To register this arrangement, the election must be filed before March of the calendar year following the calendar year the arrangement was entered into. Identifying new accounts is an important step in processing individual records. The only time “Y” for yes would be reported in this field is when you file an FHSA contract number for the first time. For other years, indicate “N” for no. If the holder dies in a year subsequent to the year of election and there is a successor holder, this field should still show “N” for no. Note: Report “N” for the beneficiary record.
  FHSA account closed indicator	Enter “Y” for yes and provide the closing date if the account was closed during the year. Once an account is closed, the FHSA contract number cannot be reused under the particular FHSA identification number. Note: Report “N” for the beneficiary record.
  FHSA close date (year-month-day)	Enter all numeric characters (for example 2023-09-28). Note: This field does not need to be reported for the beneficiary record.
  Beneficiary indicator	For FHSA reporting purposes, the beneficiary is an individual (including an estate) who will receive the proceeds of the FHSA after the holder dies. The beneficiary indicator must be “Y” for yes when an “FHSA beneficiary distribution received” or an “Amount deemed received on FHSA cessation" is reported on a beneficiary record. Note: When the field “Amount deemed received on FHSA cessation” is reported on an FHSA holder’s record the beneficiary indicator must be blank or “N” for no.
  Successor holder account indicator	The spouse or common-law partner of the deceased holder that is named as the successor after their death, may become the successor holder (provided that they are a qualifying individual). For successor records, the successor holder account indicator must be “Y” for yes. Note: The successor holder must reuse the deceased holder’s FHSA contract number.
  Deceased holder FHSA contract number	Enter the FHSA contract number of the deceased holder. This field must be reported for survivor and beneficiary records.
  Deceased holder social insurance number	Enter the SIN or TTN of the deceased holder. A valid TTN starts with the number 01 or 03. This field must be reported for the successor, survivor and beneficiary records.
  Deceased holder date of death (year-month-day)	Enter the date of death of the deceased holder. Enter all numeric characters (for example 2023-09-28). This field must be reported for successor, survivor and beneficiary records.
  Calendar year end fair market value	Enter the total calendar year end FMV of the account for each year the account is open, even if there is no activity throughout the year and/or the value is nil. When a deceased and successor record is filed for the same tax year, the value reported for the “FMV at time of death” on the deceased holder's record must also be reported as their Calendar year end FMV. Note: This field is not required for the beneficiary record but must still be reported. Enter zeros. The calendar year end FMV cannot be negative.
  Total number of transaction records	Enter the total number of transaction records.
  Total contributions	Enter the total of all contributions.
  Total qualifying withdrawals	Enter the total of all qualifying withdrawals.
  Total taxable withdrawals	Enter the total of all taxable withdrawals.
  Total income tax deducted	Enter the total income tax deducted.
  Total FHSA transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an FHSA.
  Total FHSA transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an FHSA.
  Total RRSP transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an RRSP.
  Total spousal RRSP transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from a spousal or common-law partner’s RRSP.
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF.
  Total survivor FHSA transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers in from an FHSA.
  Total FHSA transfers out to survivor	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers out to an FHSA.
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out to survivor	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF.
  Total designated – RRSP/RRIF transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all designated transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF.
  Total designated – withdrawals	Enter the total of all designated amounts withdrawn.
  Total FHSA beneficiary distributions out	Enter the total amount that was distributed to beneficiaries upon the death of a holder.
  Total FHSA beneficiary distributions received	Enter the total amount that the beneficiary received upon the death of a holder.
  Total number of beneficiaries	Enter the total number of beneficiaries that an amount is distributed to upon the death of the holder (a deceased holder may have multiple beneficiaries). This field must be reported on the deceased holder's record when an FHSA beneficiary distribution out is reported.
  Total amount deemed received on FHSA cessation	Enter the total FMV of all property in the account immediately before cessation.
  Total FHSA deemed transfers	Enter the total FMV of all FHSA deemed transfers.
  Total security for a loan	Enter the total FMV of all FHSA property used as security for a loan. Note: A negative value will be permitted for this field.
  Total FHSA transfers in – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership.
  Total FHSA transfers out – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership).
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership.

• Appendix B – T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA return summary

  Appendix B – T4FHSA Data elements – T4FHSA return summary

  T4FHSA Data elements – FHSA return summary

  T4FHSA summary data field	Reporting requirements
  Filer account number	The filer account number must correspond to the filer account number on the related T4FHSA individual records. 15 alphanumeric characters – 9 digits – RP – 4 digits. Example: 123456789RP0001
  Summary report type code	O = Original A = Amendment Note: An amended return can contain an amended record and a cancelled record. An amended return cannot contain an original record. An original return cannot contain an amended or cancelled record.
  Filer amendment note	The filer amendment note can only be included with summary report type code A. This field allows the filer to provide details about amended and cancelled records.  The note cannot exceed 1309 characters.
  Taxation year	Enter the tax year: 4 numeric characters (for example, 2023). The tax year must match the year of the transaction dates for the individual records.
  Total slip count	Enter the total number of all records included in this summary (maximum of 7 numeric characters).
  FHSA identification number	The FHSA identification number is a number which has been assigned to each specimen plan that has been accepted by the Registered Plans Directorate. It is 8 numeric characters and must correspond to the T4FHSA identification number on the related T4FHSA individual records. Note: If this field is left blank or the number is not valid, the return will be rejected.
  Filer name line 1	Maximum of 35 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer name line 2	Maximum of 35 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer name line 3	Maximum of 35 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer address line 1	Maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer address line 2	Maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer city name	Maximum of 28 alphanumeric characters.
  Filer province or territory code	Enter the Canadian province or territory (2 alpha characters) in which the filer is located. Use the abbreviations listed in the T619, Electronic Transmittal record, under the section “Transmitter province or territory code”.
  Filer country code	Use the alphabetic country code (3 alpha characters), as outlined in the International Standards Organization (ISO) 3166, Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions. Always use CAN for Canada.
  Filer postal code	Enter the FHSA filer’s Canadian postal code in an alphanumeric sequence (for example: A9A9A9). (maximum 10 alphanumeric characters).
  Contact family name	Enter only the contact’s family name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). Omit titles, such as Mr. or Mrs., and do not include the first given name or initials.
  Contact given name	Enter only the contact’s first given name (maximum of 30 alphanumeric characters). If only the initials are available, provide the first initial.
  Contact area code	Enter the contact’s area code of the telephone number (3 numeric characters).
  Contact telephone number	Enter the contact’s telephone number. 3 numeric characters with a hyphen (–), followed by 4 numeric characters.
  Contact extension number	Enter the contact’s telephone extension number. Maximum of 5 numeric characters.
  Contact email	Enter the contact’s email address.
  Total contributions	Enter the total of all contributions for all transaction records.
  Total qualifying withdrawals	Enter the total of all qualifying withdrawals for all transaction records.
  Total taxable withdrawals	Enter the total of all taxable withdrawals for all transaction records.
  Total income tax deducted	Enter the total income tax deducted for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an FHSA for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an FHSA for all transaction records.
  Total RRSP transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an RRSP for all transaction records.
  Total spousal RRSP transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from a spousal or common law partner’s RRSP for all transaction records.
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF for all transaction records.
  Total survivor FHSA transfers in	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers in from an FHSA for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA transfers out to survivor	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers out to an FHSA for all transaction records.
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out to survivor	Enter the total FMV of all survivor transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF for all transaction records.
  Total designated  – RRSP/RRIF transfers out	Enter the total FMV of all designated transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF for all transaction records.
  Total designated  – withdrawals	Enter the total of all designated amounts withdrawn for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA beneficiary distributions out	Enter the total amount that was distributed to beneficiaries upon the death of a holder for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA beneficiary distributions received	Enter the total amount that the beneficiary received upon the death of a holder for all transaction records.
  Total amount deemed received on FHSA cessation	Enter the total FMV of all property in the account immediately before cessation for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA deemed transfers	Enter the total FMV of all FHSA deemed transfers for all transaction records.
  Total security for a loan	Enter the total FMV of all FHSA property used as security for a loan for all transaction records. Note: A negative value will be permitted for this field.
  Total FHSA transfers in – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers in from an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership for all transaction records.
  Total FHSA transfers out – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an FHSA as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership for all transaction records.
  Total RRSP/RRIF transfers out – marriage breakdown	Enter the total FMV of all transfers out to an RRSP or RRIF as a result of a breakdown in marriage or common-law partnership for all transaction records.
  Total calendar year end fair market value	Enter the total calendar year end FMV for all accounts, even if there is no activity throughout the year and/or the value is nil. Note: The calendar year end FMV cannot be negative.

What you need to file the T4FHSA annual information return

Before you can use any of the filing methods outlined in How to file the T4FHSA annual information return, you must have a valid RP program account number.

The RP program account number consists of three parts:

• the business number (BN)
• a two-letter program identifier (RP)
• a four-digit reference number

The entire account number has 15 characters. You may use an existing RP program account number to file your T4FHSA annual information return.

If you do not have an RP program account number, you can obtain one by filling out Part C2 – General Information of the Form RC1, Request for a business number and certain program accounts. Select “Other” as the type of payment and specify “First Home Savings Account”.

If you do not have a BN, you can get one by filling out Form RC1, Request for a Business Number and Certain Program Accounts, and submitting it by mail or fax. To find the appropriate office or centre, go to Find a CRA address. To get a business number by phone, call the Business enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525.

For more information, go to Business number.

Web access code (WAC)

To file your return over the Internet using the Internet file transfer (XML) service or Web forms application, you will need a business number and its associated web access code (WAC). You do not need a web access code if you file your returns through My Business Account or Represent a Client.

How to file the T4FHSA annual information return

You can file a T4FHSA annual information return by using:

• Internet file transfer (XML)
• Web Forms (up to 100 records)
• My Business Account (for business owners); or
• Represent a Client (for authorized representatives of FHSA issuers)

To know when internet filing will be available go to Filing Information Returns Electronically (T4/T5 and other types of returns) - Overview. 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 that the total submission does not exceed the 150 MB restriction.

If your file is more than 150 MB, you can either compress the file or divide it into two or more files so that each submission is no more than 150 MB (the T4FHSA return summary must reflect the same split).

• Filing by Internet file transfer (XML)

  Internet file transfer allows you to transmit an original or amended information 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.

  For more information about this filing method, go to Filing Information Returns Electronically (T4/T5 and other types of returns).

• Filing using Web Forms

  The Web Forms application is free and secure. To use it, all you need is a Web browser to connect 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 records (original, amended, or cancelled) from our website
  • calculate the totals for the summary
  • create an electronic information return containing records and a summary, which can be saved and imported at a later date
  • print all your records and summary
  • validate data in real time

  After you submit your information return, you will receive a confirmation number that will be your proof that we 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. For more information, see Web Access Code.

  To start using this application or to get more information about Web Forms, go to Filing Information Returns Electronically.

• Filing using My Business Account or Represent a Client

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

  • Select “CRA Register” and create a CRA user ID and password. You can also select “Continue to Sign-In Partner” 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 (the line we ask for will vary; it could be from the current or the previous tax year)
    • 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, including employees of a business, go to Represent a Client, and do the following:

  • Select “CRA Register” and create a CRA user ID and password. You can also select “Continue to Sign-In Partner” and use the same sign-in information you use for other online services such as online banking
  • To register, you will need to provide:
    • 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)
  • Get authorization to have online access to the FHSA by doing one of the following:
    • using the “Authorization request” service with Represent a Client
    • giving your BN, RepID, or GroupID to businesses
    • asking your employer so they can authorize you using the “Authorize or manage representatives” service in My Business Account

  If the business authorizes you online in My Business Account, you will have immediate online access to the business accounts.

  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 T4FHSA records without a Web access code.

When to file the T4FHSA annual information return

You have to file the T4FHSA annual information return by the last day of February (Feb 28th or 29th in a leap year) following the calendar year to which the T4FHSA annual information return applies. If the last day of February is a Saturday or Sunday, your T4FHSA annual information return is due the next business day.

If you discontinue your business or activity, you have to file a return for the year or part-year no later than 30 days after the date the business or activity ended.

For information about penalties associated with late filing an annual information return, go to Penalties and interest for FHSA.