T4 Filing and Preparation Done Right-Without the Headache
You’ve got a business to run. Let us handle the year-end slips and CRA filing so you don’t have to stress.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
T4 filing and preparation is one of those tasks that’s easy to put off—until the deadline’s right around the corner and panic sets in. We get it. You’re focused on running your business, keeping your team happy, and staying ahead of everything else on your plate. The last thing you want is to be worrying about payroll slips, CRA requirements, or whether you’ve filled in the right box on the form.
At Swain CPA, we make this process smooth and stress-free. We’ve helped business owners across all kinds of industries—whether it’s your first employee or your fiftieth—get their T4 slips filed properly and on time. No jargon, no confusion. We walk you through exactly what’s needed, prepare every slip accurately, and handle the CRA filing for you. You’ll know it’s done right, and you’ll never have to second-guess if you’ve missed something.


Reviews
I spoke with John Swain today in regard to the tax implications of purchasing and running a small business. He was professional and very personable, and more to the point, he immediately gave me a solution that covered off my exact needs and worries. He even sent a follow-up email after with the information we covered so I could refer back to it – definitely made the right choice to contact them, and would highly recommend!
Rowan Stockton-Kushner
John was incredibly helpful and gave me confidence to focus on my business pursuits and not let complexities of the tax world hold me back!
Scott Hagell
Excellent and accurate advice based on CRA documentation. Thank you so much, John Swain, for your advice. God bless you.
S A
I recently met with John to discuss the pros and cons for post-retirement, self-employed work. After reviewing my current situation, and what I plan on doing as a self-employed consultant, he came up with a clear plan on what I needed to do. I learned more about self-employment during our meeting than I learned from any other talks or websites. He also has a YouTube channel with lots of informative videos. Thanks John, for pointing me in the right direction!
RAEANN HARDY
John Swain was a pleasure to speak with during our intro call. He provided valuable insight and even followed up with an email to assist me with registering my freelance business. While I don’t currently need the full services his team offers, I now feel much more confident in my next steps. If I decide to incorporate in the future, I’ll definitely consider them. John was incredibly personable, knowledgeable, and never made me feel pressured into services beyond what I needed.
Kimber Bennett
Ready to Cross T4 Slip Preparation Off Your List?
If you’re tired of stressing over deadlines, second-guessing your forms, or just want to make sure everything’s done right the first time—we’re here to help. T4 filing and preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s take care of it together.

Why choose us
Simply Good at What We Do.
T4s can be tricky, but we know them inside and out. We’ll get it done right—on time, no jargon, no stress—so you can stay focused on running your business.
Beyond Just Numbers.
T4s are just one part of the bigger picture. We take time to understand your goals and guide you through decisions that support long-term growth.
Long-Term Value Focus.
It’s not just about checking a box for this year—it’s about building systems, insights, and habits that help your business thrive down the road.
Full-Service Support
From gathering documents to answering questions, we’re with you the whole way. And not just at tax time—whenever you’re ready to take the next step.
Our Process
Step 1: Initial Contact
We’ll send you a quick email to kick things off. From there, we’ll set up a time with your Relationship Manager to make a plan for getting your T4s handled smoothly.
Step 2: Planning Meeting
We’ll talk through how your payroll’s been running, who needs slips, and what deadlines we’re working with. No guessing, no last-minute panic—just a clear plan.
Step 3: Information Gathering
You’ll get a simple list of what we need. We won’t ask for anything you don’t have, and we’ll check in just enough to keep things moving without adding stress to your plate.
Step 4: File Preparation and Review
Once your info’s in, we prepare the T4 slips, double-check every box, and make sure everything lines up the way CRA expects. We file it too—no extra steps for you.
Step 5: Final Steps and Year-End Inspiration Session
You’ll get copies of all your slips for your team and a quick rundown from us. Then we’ll connect for an Inspiration Session to talk about what went well and how to make next year even smoother.

FAQs
A T4 slip is the form you give to your employees at the end of the year that shows how much you paid them—and how much was deducted for things like income tax, CPP, and EI. The CRA uses it to make sure everything lines up on their end, and your employee needs it to file their personal taxes.If you’ve paid someone as an employee, even just once, you’re responsible for issuing a T4. It’s not just a form—it’s part of keeping your business compliant and your team looked after. And when it’s done right, it saves you from stress, penalties, or late-filing issues down the road.
If you’ve paid anyone as an employee—even just once during the year—then yes, you need to file a T4 slip for them. This includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even temporary staff. If you withheld payroll deductions like income tax, CPP, or EI, the CRA expects a T4 to match.
Any employee you paid during the year who earned more than $500 and had deductions (like income tax, CPP, or EI) must be issued a T4 slip. This includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees.
Even if someone only worked for you briefly, or was paid a small amount, if you deducted anything from their pay—or should have—CRA expects a T4. It’s also required for most salaried or hourly staff on your payroll. Independent contractors, on the other hand, typically don’t receive a T4—they may require a T4A or no slip at all, depending on the setup.
If you’re not sure how someone should be classified, it’s a good idea to double-check. Getting this part right helps avoid penalties and keeps both your business and your team on the right track.
Employee income isn’t just hourly wages or a salary. It also includes bonuses, vacation pay, commissions, taxable benefits, and most other cash or non-cash compensation you provide to your team.
For example, if you cover things like personal use of a company vehicle, give a gift card, or pay out a year-end bonus—those amounts count as employment income and should be included on the T4 slip. The CRA looks at the total value of what the employee received in connection with their work, not just their regular pay.
The key is making sure all reportable income is captured. That’s where mistakes often happen—and why we take extra care during the prep process to make sure nothing gets missed.


