We are around that time of the year where most our clients do payroll year end reporting. I will discuss below some tips and tricks to go through this period smoothly

As you might know already, only customers with a care plan that include the payroll plan will be able to print or file online the T4 and RL-1. Please go on the website or call at 1-888-261-9610 to get the payroll plan.

Before printing or filling the T4 or RL-1, make sure the latest payroll update is installed on the computer first. You can follow article 12172 to know if you are on the latest payroll update.

Depending on the number of T4 and or RL-1 to file you can print or file online. If you have more than 50 employees then it is required to file both T4 and RL-1 online. That means the program will create an XML file that you will then upload to the government website (online filing is the most popular electronic transmission). If you have less than 50 employees then you can either opt for printing or online filing.

What to keep in mind before printing either T4 or RL-1 slips:

• Sometimes those reports can print without boxes. If you are using plain paper make sure that you activate the following option in the program: click on Setup, Reports and forms, Government Forms, Federal Payroll (for T4 and T4 Summary) and Quebec Payroll (for RL-1), then make sure Form type is on Plain paper laser & inkjet form for each settings.
• Starting on January 1^st 2014 you should NOT use Sage 50 pre-printed option for RL-1 printing. Please use only plain paper. See the above bullet point to select plain paper as form type when printing RL-1.

Important numbers to have when printing or filing online either T4 or RL-1 slips:

• For the T4, make sure you have the Payroll Account Number. It is starts with 9 digits of your business number followed by two letters for the type of account (RP for payroll) and 4 numbers for the specific account reference. See article 24174 for more information on the Payroll Account Number.
• For RL-1 make sure you have the Transmitter Number. It starts with NP followed by 6 digits, to have that number please call at 1-866-814-8392 or fill the online form to receive one. 

Also do not forget to:

• Review each Employee Record to make sure their address in no longer than 30 characters and all other information on Personal and T4 and RL-1 Reporting tabs are correct.
• Click on Setup, Settings, Company, and Information and make sure the company name, address and business number are correct.
• Display the PIER report that can show possible discrepancies. Click on Reports, Payroll, Year End Review (PIER: Pensionable and Insurable Earnings Review). This article 10401 can help identify possible reasons of discrepancy on the PIER report.

When ready you can follow instructions on the below articles to print or file electronically T4, T4 Summary and RL-1:

Print:

T4 and T4 Summary: 10395.

RL-1: 29784.

Online filing:

T4 and T4 Summary: 10336.

RL-1: 20112.

Thank you.