When can I process 2025 T4s in QuickBooks Desktop and submit to CRA?

You'll have to wait until early 2026 to process and submit 2025 T4 forms using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), GStew.

Intuit typically releases the necessary updates for year-end tax forms, including T4s, through standard payroll updates. To help you get ready when the time comes, ensure your QBDT software is up to date and that you have downloaded the latest payroll tax table.

It's also worth noting that the official deadline for filing T4 slips with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and distributing them to employees for the 2025 calendar year is February 28, 2026. So while you won't be able to process them in 2025, you'll have plenty of time to do so before the deadline once the updates are available.

You can also check out this guide that outlines the essential year-end tasks: QBDT Payroll Year-end Checklist.

I hope this clarifies things for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you for responding. I recall Intuit historically released the tax tables for the new year in mid December however, I don't recall an update that specifically allows for filing the T4 forms to CRA. 

1. Is there a separate update for this?

2. When is it typically released?

3. In some cases T4 slips must be filed within 30 days after the last payroll - how would this be done throughout the year if T4s can only be processed by QuickBooks in January of each year?

Thank you in advance for your responses.

We value your attention to detail and the effort you’ve put into clarifying your questions, GStew. Ensuring that you have all the information you need to efficiently handle tax and payroll processes is our priority. Let me share some details that may help.

No, as long as the latest payroll tax table is updated in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), you'll have access to current provincial and federal tax information. QBDT provides payroll updates for all supported tax tables to ensure you're on track.

To give you a heads-up, the current payroll tax table version for QuickBooks Desktop is 12134003, which was released on June 24, 2025. This update is effective from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

As for the T4 filing my colleague mentioned earlier, it typically takes place in January and is part of the annual process for submitting T4s. This filing covers the previous tax year, running from January 1 to December 31. It's a standard procedure for most employers.

We hope this answers your questions and provides clarity on the process. If you have any additional concerns or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help!

Thank you again for responding but my question still stands:

Why can I not file 2025 T4 slips today if my payroll tables are current? {I understand that most file their T4 slips in January/February}

Am I waiting for a release from Intuit/QuickBooks to enable me to file 2025 T4 slips with CRA?

Thank you.

Hi there, GStew,

We understand the importance of filing and submitting your 2025 T4 slips accurately and on time. Let me provide some additional information.

You cannot file 2025 T4 slips yet because T4 forms are filed for the previous year's tax period. Filing for the 2025 tax year will only open next year. Even if your payroll tables are up to date, the software requires a specific update or release to support the new tax year's forms and CRA submission requirements.

Intuit releases these updates periodically, and QuickBooks will only enable 2025 T4 slip filing with the CRA once your tax agency allows submissions. To ensure you’re prepared, keep your QuickBooks Desktop software updated to receive the release as soon as it becomes available.

On that note, you’ll be able to file your 2025 T4 slips after the calendar year ends, once both the software and CRA systems are ready for the 2025 tax season, likely in early 2026.

If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to leave a post below.