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Avoiding Rejected Slip Submissions: Key Tips for Busy Season

During the early weeks of slip-filing season, we’ve gathered valuable tips for handling rejected slip submissions, and we’d love to share them with you. Refer to the list below as you prepare slips, transmit information returns and troubleshoot rejected submissions.

For additional information, the Update on the filing of information returns Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Newsroom article contains a list of “Common Problems and Solutions” to help you.

Register for the Right Filer Account Number

The CRA is validating more information this year.

If you attempt to transmit a slip or information return and see a message like “Filer account number is missing or invalid for this type of return,” it likely means that the filer account number is not registered to file the slip type you are attempting to file.

The filer account number is the issuer Account number entered on the Info worksheet in TaxCycle.

Screen Capture: Account number field on the Info worksheet in TaxCycle

The CRA also confirmed that program accounts (RP, RZ) must be in active status for the submission to be accepted for all return types. If you do not have an active program account, you can create one by visiting Business Registration Online.

To avoid delays when filing, we advise creating additional program accounts early, as some requests require additional information that you may need to obtain from the owners/issuers. For example, to register a T5013 for an RZ account requires two “owners and corresponding SINs.”

It is our understanding that the CRA is unable to grant these requests by phone. As an alternative, you can submit Form RC1. However, you will want to do this as soon as possible to ensure that the CRA can process it before the filing deadline. 

Use the Correct Transmitter Account Number

TaxCycle includes the Transmitter Account Number from the Preparer/Firm Representative section on the Engagement worksheet in the T619 Electronic Transmittal Record.

When connecting to the Internet File Transfer (XML) portal from TaxCycle, make sure the number on the Engagement worksheet matches the transmitter number used to log in to the portal, as the CRA validates the T619 transmitter information in the XML file against these sign-in credentials.

Also be aware that the information required to file returns differs if you upload the XML through other CRA pages. The CRA has provided a list to assist you:

  • Web Access Code (WAC)
    The CRA filing portal only accepts a WAC paired with a BN15, Trust account, or non-resident (NR) account number. Ensure you enter the same account number in the Transmitter account number field on the Engagement worksheet so that TaxCycle can include it in the XML for the T619.
  • My Business Account (MyBA)
    To access file a return through MyBA, you are required to select a program account for the 15-character business number (BN15) (RP or RZ). Enter the same BN15 in the Transmitter account number field on the Engagement worksheet in TaxCycle.
  • Represent a Client (RAC)
    To access file a return through Represent a Client (RAC), your RAC Identifier (RepID) is required. If you need to file a return prepared through TaxCycle through RAC, enter the RepID on the Engagement worksheet. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Screen Capture: CRA filing details on the Engagement worksheet

Other Things to Check

  • Check for invalid characters and blank spaces. Before attempting to transmit slips, it can help to verify that the fields on the Info worksheet and on recipient slips do not contain any extra blank spaces or invalid characters (such as $ or ^). This can cause a warning message to display but will not cause a rejection. You can check the “I want to proceed without correcting these errors” box to file the slips return.
  • Only transmit slips for 2022 and onward. TaxCycle does not support electronic slip filing for tax years 2021 and earlier due to changes made to the T619/acceptance portal. To file returns for those years, please use CRA Web Forms or file on paper.

Recording Submissions in TaxCycle

After uploading an XML file from TaxCycle, the CRA confirmation page will show the submission number. You must enter this number in the Submission number field on the left side of the transmission window to mark the return as filed in TaxCycle’s workflow.

If TaxCycle does not automatically copy over the submission number, you can manually paste the number into the field before closing the window.

Read the Record an XML Submission Number help topic for instructions.

Screen Capture: Submission number field

CRA Confirmation of Receipt

The CRA sends a “Confirmation of Receipt” email when they receive a file. This email does not necessarily indicate that the file was accepted. Filers must review the email to confirm whether the submitted information returns were accepted or rejected.

The recent Update on the filing of information returns CRA Newsroom article provides a list of “Common Problems and Solutions” to assist you.