T2 Pre-Validation

Updated: 2023-06-06

The Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) T2 Pre-Validation service allows you to validate basic filing information ahead of transmitting the completed return.

The service returns any errors that will prevent filing the T2 return once complete. It also provides some basic instructions on how to correct the errors. For example, if a corporation’s name is incorrect, this service will indicate that the name does not match the CRA’s records. You may use this service more than once for a particular T2 file.

Transmission using the T2 Pre-Validation service does not constitute filing a T2 return. After using this service, you must still file the return through T2 Corporation Internet Filing (CIF).

Corporation Internet Filing Credentials

You can pre-validate a T2 tax return using your EFILE number and password, or using the corporation’s Web Access Code (WAC).

If you recently renewed your EFILE number, you will immediately receive a new EFILE password for the year. However, the suitability screening may not complete immediately. Until it has, you cannot file T2 returns using your EFILE number and password. You can, however, use a Web Access Code (WAC) to file the T2 return. See the Request a T2 WAC help topic to learn more.

EFILE Transmission Options

Enter the CRA EFILE number and password in TaxCycle options:

1. If you have a file open, go to File menu, then click Options. To open Options from the Start screen, click Options in the blue bar on the left side. (You can also access these EFILE options any time by clicking on the wrench icon in the Transmit sidebar.)
2. On the left side of the screen, expand Transmission and then click on EFILE Accounts.
3. Enter your CRA EFILE Number and EFILE Password.
4. Click OK to save the options.

How to Pre-Validate a T2 Return

1. At minimum, enter the corporation’s business number, name and tax year end on the Info worksheet so it flows through to the PreValidation worksheet.
2. On the PreValidation worksheet, Answer Yes to the question Do you wish to pre-validate this T2 return?
3. In the Transmit sidebar, a box for the T2 Pre-validation service appears. Click once to expand the box.
4. Click Transmit now! to request a pre-validation from the service.
5. If the pre-validation returns errors, they will appear in the Transmit sidebar.
6. Resolve any outstanding errors before filing the return using T2 Corporation Internet Filing (CIF).

Successful Pre-Validation

If the pre-validation service returns no errors, you will see a green happy face and a message reminding you to use T2 Corporation Internet Filing (T2CIF) function to transmit the return:

Pre-Validation Errors

If the pre-validation service returns errors, you will see a red sad face and a message explaining the error.

The service returns any errors that will prevent filing the T2 return once complete. It also provides some basic instructions on how to correct the errors. For example, if a corporation’s name is incorrect, this service will indicate that the name does not match the CRA’s records.

After correcting the issue in the file, you can run the pre-validation service again.