Getting a T4A slip at tax time is normal. Getting one that doesn’t look right is stressful.
Maybe the amount seems too high (or too low), your name is wrong, or it includes income from a period you don’t agree with. Before you panic or ignore it, there’s a practical way to handle a “suspicious” T4A slip.
This guide walks you through what to do if you think your T4A is wrong—step by step.
(General information only; for specific decisions, speak to a tax professional or CRA.)
Step 1: Compare the slip to your own records
Start by putting the T4A side by side with your documentation:
• Invoices you sent to the payer
• Payment confirmations or pay stubs
• Bank deposits from that payer
• Any contracts or agreements about how and when you’d be paid
Ask yourself:
• “Does the total on the T4A roughly match what I remember being paid?”
• “Could timing differences (for example, December work paid in January) explain the difference?”
Sometimes what looks “wrong” at first glance makes sense once you line it up with your own records.
Step 2: Identify exactly what seems incorrect
If something still doesn’t add up, be specific about the issue. Common problems include:
• Amount issues
– The total looks too high or too low.
– Income from two years seems combined on one slip.
• Identity issues
– Your name is spelled incorrectly.
– The slip appears to belong to someone else with a similar name.
• Category issues
– An amount you thought was a reimbursement (for example, expenses you fronted) appears as income.
The more clearly you can describe the problem, the easier it is to get it fixed.
Step 3: Contact the payer first
The CRA didn’t create the slip—the payer did. They’re the ones who can:
• Explain how they calculated the amount.
• Check for data entry or classification errors.
• Issue a corrected (amended) T4A if needed.
When you reach out, it helps to:
• Provide a copy of the slip you received.
• Share your own records (for example, invoice totals, a list of payments).
• Clearly explain the difference you’re seeing (“Your slip shows $18,000, but my records show $15,000 for these specific invoices”).
Most payers want their records to match reality and will work with you to resolve discrepancies.
Step 4: Keep notes of your conversations
If there’s any disagreement or delay, it’s wise to document:
• The date and time you contacted the payer.
• Who you spoke with.
• What they said they would do (for example, “We’ll review and get back to you,” “We see the error and will issue a corrected slip,” etc.).
These notes can be helpful later if CRA asks questions or if you need to explain why the figures on your return differ from the slip.
Step 5: Decide how to file if the issue isn’t resolved quickly
You still have to meet your tax filing deadline, even if a T4A is in dispute. Possible approaches (to discuss with a tax professional) include:
• Filing using the correct amount based on your records and documenting why.
• Including a note or explanation with your return (or keeping one on file) if you expect an amended T4A later.
• Filing based on the slip and then adjusting your return if an amended slip is issued.
The right approach depends on the size of the discrepancy and advice from your tax preparer or CRA.
Step 6: Watch for amended slips
If the payer agrees the original T4A was wrong, they may issue an amended slip. This typically means:
• The original information is updated in their system.
• A new slip is generated and sent to both you and CRA.
When you receive an amended slip:
• Compare it to your records again.
• If you’ve already filed your return based on the old slip, you may need to adjust your return so it matches the corrected information.
What not to do
• Don’t ignore a T4A you believe is wrong.
– CRA may still use it in assessing your return. Silence can make things harder later.
• Don’t assume it “won’t matter because it’s small.”
– Even small discrepancies can trigger automated notices or mismatches in CRA’s systems.
• Don’t panic.
– Mistakes happen. As long as you respond calmly, keep records, and seek clarification, most issues can be resolved.
How payers reduce T4A errors with tools like T4ASlip
On the other side of the equation, many organizations are using tools like T4ASlip to:
• Keep better track of payments to each contractor.
• Reduce manual errors when generating slips.
• Maintain cleaner records so corrections are less frequent.
If a payer uses T4ASlip or similar tools, they may be able to quickly show you how they arrived at the reported amount, making it easier to spot and correct misunderstandings.
Key reminders
If you think your T4A slip is wrong:
1. Compare it carefully to your own invoices and payment records.
2. Pinpoint exactly what seems off (amount, identity, timing, etc.).
3. Contact the payer with specific questions and evidence.
4. Keep notes of discussions and any promised corrections.
5. File your return on time, adjusting later if an amended slip is issued.
T4A errors are fixable. The combination of good personal records, proactive communication with the payer, and professional advice (when needed) will help you get to the right answer—and keep CRA on the same page as you.