Your T4 and First Tax Return
Understand the purpose of a T4 and what to gather before filing.
- Know when to expect a T4 and what it reports.
- Understand what to do if a T4 is missing.
- Gather the documents needed before filing a first return.
A T4 reports employment income and certain payroll deductions for a calendar year.
A T4 reports employment income and payroll deductions for a tax year.
When to expect it
Most common slips, including T4s, are generally provided by the end of February following the tax year. A slip always names the tax year it covers — check that label before using it, because you file one return per tax year.
You may receive several T4s if you had several employers.
What it shows
A T4 may include employment income, tax deducted, CPP or QPP, EI premiums and employer information.
A T4 is not a bill and does not automatically mean more tax is owed.
Missing slips
Contact the employer first.
The slip may later appear through CRA online services.
Keep pay records.
An employer's summary of your employment income and payroll deductions for a tax year.
Is a T4 a bill you need to pay?
Put it into practice
0/3 done- List every employer you worked for this year.
- Note whether you received a T4 from each.
- Store slips and receipts in one place until you file.
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Official sources
In short
- A T4 reports employment income and payroll deductions for a tax year.
- Employers generally issue T4s by the end of February for the previous tax year.
- A T4 is not a bill — it's a record used to complete a return.
- If a slip is missing, contact the employer first and check CRA online services.
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