Form T1213, Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source
Ask the CRA to authorize your employer to reduce tax withheld from your pay.
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About Form T1213
Form T1213, Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source, is used to ask the Canada Revenue Agency to authorize a reduction in the income tax withheld from your pay. It is helpful when you have deductions or credits during the year that would otherwise result in a large refund at tax time.
Common reasons to file include ongoing registered retirement savings plan contributions, child care expenses, support payments, or certain other deductions and credits. If the CRA approves the request, it sends a letter of authority that you give to your employer or payer.
The form is submitted to the CRA, not to your employer. Because approval is based on your expected deductions and credits for the year, you may need to file a new request for each year you want the reduction to continue.
Who needs to complete it
- Employees who make regular RRSP contributions outside of payroll.
- Individuals paying deductible support payments during the year.
- Taxpayers with child care or other significant deductible expenses.
- People who consistently receive large refunds and want smaller withholdings.
How to fill out Form T1213
- 1Gather documentation for the deductions and credits you plan to claim.
- 2Complete your personal identifying information on the form.
- 3List the deductions and credits you expect for the year.
- 4Enter the estimated amounts and attach supporting documents.
- 5Provide your employer or payer information as requested.
- 6Sign and date the request.
- 7Send the completed form to your tax services office or as directed by the CRA.
- 8Give the CRA letter of authority to your employer once you receive it.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Form T1213 do?
It asks the CRA to authorize your employer or payer to reduce the income tax withheld from your pay, based on deductions and credits you expect during the year.
Do I send this to my employer?
No. You send the form to the CRA. If approved, the CRA sends a letter of authority that you then give to your employer or payer.
How long does the approval last?
Approval is generally based on the amounts you expect for the year, so you may need to submit a new request each year you want the reduction to continue.
What can justify a reduction?
Common examples include RRSP contributions, deductible support payments, and child care expenses. Attach supporting documents so the CRA can review your request.