If you have been employed in Canada, you will likely have received a T4 in your mail at some point.
The T4 is a document that details the total sum of money that an employee got paid on a gross (i.e., pre-tax) basis in a given tax year from a specific employer.
It also lists the various tax deductions remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency.
You should receive your T4 by the end of February.
If you have not received your T4 or have lost it, not to worry, here is how to get your T4 online, by phone or in person:
1. Canada Revenue Agency MyAccount
Log in to your CRA MyAccount online.
On the initial Overview screen, look to the bottom right
You will see a section called Tax information slips (T4 and more)
Click on this link and you’ll be directed to a page to see all the tax slips that have been issued including for past years.
Keep in mind that your employer needs to issue a T4 and provide it to the CRA.
The CRA will only have available what your employer has submitted.
2. Canada Revenue Agency by Phone
Call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
For Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut the number is 1-866-426-1527.
Someone can assist you Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM in your local time.
To complete your request, you’ll need to following to verify your identity with the CRA:
- SIN
- Complete Address
- Your latest NOA, proof of income or other tax document for them to validate one of the numbers
3. Employee Portal
Majority of employers, especially large ones, will make your tax documents available digitally for you to download.
While this will vary from employer to employer, typically look for your payroll system, where you would be able to see information about your pay.
This system will have your T4 available for download, and may be something like Workday, ADP or Ceridian.
4. Request from HR
If your unable to locate your T4 within your employee portal, it’s best to connect with someone in your Human Resources department.
They’ll be able to point you in the right direction or have a digital copy emailed to you.
What the T4 shows
Like other tax slips, the T4 has boxes that each provide specific information.
The most important boxes are listed below:
- Box 12: Your Social Insurance Number
- Box 14: Gross employment income (before taxes)
- Box 16: Contribution to the Canada Pension Plan
- Box 17: Contribution to the Quebec Pension Plan (only for Quebec residents)
- Box 18: Amount paid to Employment Insurance (EI)
- Box 22: Total income tax deductions
