What Is a T4 Slip?
The T4 Statement of Remuneration Paid is a tax form that shows:
- How much you earned from employment
- How much income tax was deducted
- Your CPP and EI contributions
- Other deductions and taxable benefits
You need your T4 to file your income tax return. Your employer must provide it by the end of February.
T4 Box Guide
Income Boxes
| Box | Description | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Box 14 | Employment income | Your total taxable employment income before deductions |
| Box 26 | CPP/QPP pensionable earnings | Income used to calculate CPP contributions |
| Box 24 | EI insurable earnings | Income used to calculate EI premiums |
Box 14 is the main number you’ll report on your tax return. It includes your salary, wages, bonuses, vacation pay, and taxable benefits.
Deduction Boxes
| Box | Description | 2025 Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Box 16 | CPP contributions | 5.95% of pensionable earnings (max $3,867.50) |
| Box 17 | QPP contributions (Quebec) | 6.40% (max $4,160.80) |
| Box 18 | EI premiums | 1.64% of insurable earnings (max $1,077.48) |
| Box 22 | Income tax deducted | Tax your employer withheld |
Additional CPP (CPP2)
| Box | Description | 2025 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Box 16A | Second CPP contributions (CPP2) | 4% on earnings $68,500β$73,200 (max $188) |
CPP2 is an additional contribution on earnings above the first earnings ceiling. Most employees pay this through payroll deductions.
Taxable Benefits Boxes
| Box | Description |
|---|---|
| Box 30 | Board and lodging |
| Box 32 | Travel in a prescribed zone |
| Box 33 | Medical travel assistance |
| Box 34 | Personal use of employer’s auto |
| Box 36 | Interest-free/low-interest loan benefit |
| Box 38 | Security options benefits |
| Box 40 | Other taxable allowances and benefits |
Taxable benefits are already included in Box 14. These boxes provide details on what benefits were included.
Other Important Boxes
| Box | Description |
|---|---|
| Box 20 | RPP contributions (pension) |
| Box 42 | Employment commissions |
| Box 44 | Union dues |
| Box 46 | Charitable donations (payroll) |
| Box 52 | Pension adjustment (PA) |
| Box 55 | Employee PRPP contributions |
Reading Your T4: Example
A typical T4 might show:
| Box | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Box 14 | $75,000 | Employment income |
| Box 16 | $3,867.50 | CPP contributions |
| Box 18 | $1,077.48 | EI premiums |
| Box 22 | $12,500 | Income tax deducted |
| Box 44 | $520 | Union dues |
| Box 52 | $8,200 | Pension adjustment |
This employee earned $75,000, paid maximum CPP and EI, had $12,500 withheld for income tax, and contributed to a workplace pension.
How T4 Boxes Affect Your Taxes
Box 14: Employment Income
- Reported on line 10100 of your tax return
- This is your taxable employment income
- Already includes taxable benefits
Box 16/17: CPP/QPP Contributions
- Claimed as a non-refundable tax credit
- Reduces your taxes owed
- Half gives a 15% federal credit, half reduces taxable income
Box 18: EI Premiums
- Claimed as a non-refundable tax credit
- 15% federal credit on your EI contributions
Box 20: RPP Contributions
- Claimed as a deduction (line 20700)
- Directly reduces taxable income
Box 22: Income Tax Deducted
- Compared to your actual tax owing
- Overpayment = refund
- Underpayment = taxes owed
Box 44: Union Dues
- Claimed as a deduction (line 21200)
- Directly reduces taxable income
Box 52: Pension Adjustment
- Reduces your RRSP contribution room
- Already factored into your Notice of Assessment
Multiple T4 Slips
If you worked multiple jobs, you’ll receive a T4 from each employer. Add all your T4s together:
- Total employment income (all Box 14)
- Total tax deducted (all Box 22)
- Total CPP contributions (all Box 16)
- Total EI premiums (all Box 18)
If you over-contributed to CPP or EI due to multiple jobs, you’ll receive a refund when you file.
T4 vs Other Tax Slips
| Slip | Used For |
|---|---|
| T4 | Employment income |
| T4A | Pensions, annuities, other income |
| T4E | Employment Insurance benefits |
| T4RSP | RRSP withdrawals |
| T4RIF | RRIF withdrawals |
| T5 | Investment income (interest, dividends) |
| T3 | Trust income |
| T2202 | Tuition and education amounts |
Common T4 Questions
What if I didn’t receive my T4?
- Contact your employer first
- Check CRA My Account (available mid-February)
- If still missing by late March, contact CRA
- You can file using your pay stubs if necessary
Can I file without my T4?
Yes, but you must use accurate figures from your pay stubs. CRA will eventually receive your T4 and check it against your return.
What if my T4 is wrong?
Contact your employer immediately. Common errors include:
- Wrong address (doesn’t affect tax calculation)
- Missing income
- Incorrect tax deducted
- Wrong SIN (critical to fix)