As a business owner, the arrival of February usually means more than just Valentine’s Day—it marks the final countdown for tax filing obligations. 

One of the most critical dates on your calendar is the deadline for issuing T4 slips (Statement of Remuneration Paid) to your employees and filing your T4 Summary with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Failure to meet this deadline can result in unnecessary penalties, so let’s break down what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your team happy.

The February 28 Deadline

In most calendar years, the deadline to distribute T4 slips to your employees and file your return with the CRA is the last day of February.

• For the 2025 Tax Year: Since 2026 is not a leap year, your deadline is February 28, 2026.
• Weekend Rule: If the deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your submission is considered on time if it is received or postmarked by the next business day.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the 28th. Aim to have your slips distributed by mid-February to allow employees time to review them for errors before they start their own tax filings.

Mandatory Electronic Filing: If you  have more than 5 employees, you cannot mail paper copies of the T4 Summary/Slips to the CRA.

Delivery Methods

You have a few options for getting these documents into your employees’ hands. Choose the one that best fits your business structure:

• Electronic Distribution: As of recent years, the CRA allows employers to distribute T4 slips electronically (via a secure portal) without the employee’s consent, provided that:

• The slips are made available on a secure portal.
• The employee has a secure way to access and print the slip.
• The employer provides the option to receive a paper copy upon request.

• Mail: Sending a paper copy to the employee’s last known address.

• In-Person: Handing the printed slip directly to the employee at the workplace.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

The CRA is generally not flexible when it comes to late filings. Penalties are calculated based on the number of T4 slips filed late and the number of days they are overdue.

Number of T4 slips filed late	Penalty per Day	Maximum Penalty
$1-50	$10	$1,000
51–500	$15	$1,500
501-2,500	$25	$2,500
2,501 to 10,00	$50	$5,000
10,001 or more	$75	$7,500

Checklist for a Smooth Filing

To avoid a last-minute scramble, ensure you have the following ready:

1. Verified Social Insurance Numbers (SIN): Double-check that every employee’s SIN is correct.
2. Correct Legal Names: Ensure names match what is on file with the CRA.
3. Total Remuneration: Reconcile your payroll records with your bank statements to ensure gross pay, CPP, EI, and Income Tax deductions are accurate.
4. Benefits & Allowances: Don’t forget to include taxable benefits (like company cars or health premiums) in the appropriate boxes.

Meeting the T4 deadline is a vital part of maintaining a healthy relationship with both your staff and the government. The February 28 deadline doesn’t have to be a source of stress when you have a partner who understands the nuances of Canadian payroll. 

At KATA Accounting, we handle the administrative details to ensure your T4s are accurate, compliant, and filed on time—so you can move through tax season with confidence.

Our team is here to help.