--- title: "Asked and answered: five year-end questions from small businesses" description: Learn how to tackle payroll tax season and year-end in Canada with expert tips, CRA compliance guidance, and Payworks tools for a stress-free filing. image: https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogArticle_SmallBusiness_Year-End_Feb3.png --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses#maincontent) [Skip to footer](https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses#footer-en) ![Got a few last-minute year-end questions? Expert answers are here! ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogHeader_SmallBusiness_Year-End_Feb3-1.jpg) # Asked and answered: five year-end questions from small businesses Feb 03, 2026 [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) ![Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/inTheLoop-ring-150px.png) Payworks Share this article [![Share this on Facebook.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses) [![Share this on Twitter.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](http://twitter.com/share?text=A%20great%20article%20from%20Payworks!&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses) [![Share this on LinkedIn.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses&title=&summary=&source) Psst: the 2025 tax year’s [filing deadline](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/corporations/corporation-payments/paying-instalments/instalment-dates.html) for T4s and RL-1 slips is only a few weeks away! And while we’re sure you’ve been following the [10-step checklist](https://blog.payworks.ca/streamline-year-end-processing-with-an-interactive10-step-checklist?hsLang=en-ca) (…right?), there are still some loose ends to tie up before February 28, 2026. In these final days before year-end filing, there are often a few last questions that we’re here and happy to answer for our small business clients – and they may be questions you find yourself asking too! Today, we’ll answer: 1. How do I resolve warnings on my Year-End Reports screen? 2. What are Box Element assignments and how do I set them up? 3. How can I generate a custom year-end report? 4. What do I do if I made a mistake with my authorized, final T4s? 5. What can I do to make year-end easier next year? We’ve even got a year-end pro on the line: Susan Bjerring, Team Lead of Small Business Client Services, is here to provide the expert answers you need! Let’s get started, shall we? ## How do I resolve warnings on my Year-End Reports screen? First things first – what does it mean if a Payworks client is seeing a warning on their Year-End Reports screen? > “The warnings on the home screen identify key points that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Quebec (RQ) reviews with T4 and RL-1 filings so that clients can resolve any issues before the filing deadline,” says Susan. “The most common reasons for year-end warnings are missing SINs or addresses in employee records, and a missing [*Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) code*](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/cra-multimedia-library/businesses-video-gallery/dental-care-measures-act-t4-t4a-updates.html).” ![Screenshot of Year-End Warnings dashboard. ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CLEAN_ProductShot_InArticle_YearEnd-TaxForms-Reports_EN.png?width=864&height=433&name=CLEAN_ProductShot_InArticle_YearEnd-TaxForms-Reports_EN.png) *Screenshot of Year-End Warnings dashboard. * > * “Some of these items can result in penalties, PIER reports, or discrepancies that would then need to be dealt with later, so it’s important to address them before finalizing your T4s for submission.” * Many of these warnings should be very straightforward to resolve on your own based on the details provided on the Year-End Reports screen, but if you still have questions about how to resolve one of your year-end warnings, our [Service team](https://www.payworks.ca/contact) is always here to help and can guide you to the right spot for a resolution. Have a question after hours? [Our 24/7 Help Centre](https://blog.payworks.ca/our-help-centre-24/7-support-for-you-and-your-crew?hsLang=en-ca) is always available! ## What are Box Element assignments and how do I set them up? The term “Box Elements” simply refers to ensuring that the right earnings, benefits and deductions are being reported in the right places – or boxes! – on your tax forms. > *“Ensuring box elements are assigned correctly ensures accurate T4 filing,” says Susan. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Doing the pre-investigative work to ensure that everything is correct means a smooth year-end filing with nothing coming back from the CRA.”* Most people know that employment income gets recorded in Box 14 on a T4, or Box A on an RL-1. But what about taxable allowances, charitable donations, or RPP contributions? All of these and more have to be assigned to the correct box. To confirm what box you need to be assigning your elements to, we recommend reviewing the [CRA box assignments for T4s](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/completing-filing-information-returns/t4-information-employers/t4-slip.html#h-4), [as well as T4As](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/completing-filing-information-returns/t4a-information-payers/t4a-slip.html), and the [Quebec box assignment guidelines for RL-1s](https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/online-services/forms-and-publications/rl-1-g-v/guide-to-filing-the-rl-1-slip-employment-and-other-income/#commentremplir). If you’re not sure where a particular pay element should be recorded, reach out to your client services representative (CSR) or [contact the CRA](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/contact-information.html) or [Revenu Québec](https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/contact-us/). ![Screenshot of Employer Year-End Summaries and T4/RL-1 Box Assignments screen.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CLEAN_Screenshot_YE_T4-Boxes_2024-11-14_EN.png?width=794&height=511&name=CLEAN_Screenshot_YE_T4-Boxes_2024-11-14_EN.png) *Screenshot of Employer Year-End Summaries and T4/RL-1 Box Assignments screen. * ****Payworks Pro Tip***: Did you know you can download a copy of your current Pay Element Setup using the Pay Element Setup Summary report?* ## How can I generate a custom year-end report? While reporting options depend on the type of data you’re looking for (and some reports may require an additional feature in your profile, such as our [Analytics](https://www.payworks.ca/solutions/workforce-analytics) module), many of the most common year-end reports can be found in (you guessed it!) your Year-End Reports screen. Here you’ll find options to download T4s, RL-1s, Box Reports, CDCP Exports, and a Pay Element Setup Summary! Need more information or more customized options? No problem - this is when your dedicated Client Service Representative comes in handy, says Susan:  > *“This is a perfect time to call your CSR. These individuals have a high depth of knowledge of our product! We can combine that knowledge along with information from our Help Centre and resources like our year-end videos and checklist, and we can amalgamate it and personalize it to your own reporting needs.”* ***Payworks Pro Tip****: You can – and should – download a copy of your submitted tax documents using the Year-End Archive Download file. This is a valuable (and free!) resource, as it’s important for businesses to ensure they have copies of their own submissions. The archive download includes all year-end reports, pay statements, pay registers and more throughout each pay period of the year.* ***![Screenshot of Year-End Archive Download screen.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CLEAN_ProductShot_InArticle_YearEnd-ArchiveDownload_EN.png?width=1677&height=841&name=CLEAN_ProductShot_InArticle_YearEnd-ArchiveDownload_EN.png)*** * Screenshot of the Year-End Archive Download screen. * ## What do I do if I made a mistake on my authorized, final T4s? Don’t panic! Let’s see what expert Susan has to say about this one: > *“The first thing I do when speaking with clients who made a mistake is review with them what happened, and then we discuss the best way to proceed. More often than not, it’s just a year-to-date (YTD) adjustment for items that were incorrect or missing from the submitted files. Fixing these mistakes is a simple process that our CSRs are well-practiced and skilled in working with our clients to resolve!”* We get it: accidents happen. That’s why we’ve built-in options to make it simple to make it right, depending on whether the mistake was discovered before or after the filing cut-off deadline. If the mistake was discovered prior to the cut-off, your CSR can walk you through a re-authorization process. If the error was determined after the cut-off date, they can authorize an amendment on your behalf. ***Payworks Pro Tip:*** *Did you know that, once the filing deadline has passed, certain errors should not be corrected? Make sure to* [*check with the CRA for further information.*](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/file-information-returns-slip-summaries/make-corrections-after-filing/amend.html) ## What can I do to make year-end easier next year? That’s a great question! No matter how smooth the process, there’s almost always room for improvement. Let’s see what our expert has to say: > *“I recommend regularly reviewing your year-end warnings throughout the year, and thoroughly going through the* [*year-end checklist.*](https://blog.payworks.ca/streamline-year-end-processing-with-an-interactive10-step-checklist?hsLang=en-ca) *It’s there all year, and the first few steps are quick and easy to go through on your own!”* Remember: the earlier the better. Regularly reviewing (and actioning) your year-end warnings, [checking your year-to-dates are correct throughout the year,](https://blog.payworks.ca/why-year-to-dates-are-important-to-review-all-year-long?hsLang=en-ca) and [staying on top of important processing dates](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/important-dates-calendar) and deadlines can all help you prepare for the year-end filing. One final word from Susan (she loves to help!): > *“Maintaining an open dialogue with your CSR about your questions as they come up can be really helpful. For example - are you making an adjustment to your payroll in June? Ask your CSR how it will affect your year-end! Our CSRs are National Payroll Institute (NPI) trained and are very knowledgeable, so they can give you the answers to those questions when you need them!”* --- There you have it, folks! Year-end doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you’re prepared with these tips. Remember: your dedicated CSR is always there to assist, and you can always rely on our [Help Centre resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/our-help-centre-24/7-support-for-you-and-your-crew?hsLang=en-ca), available 24/7. Want to ensure you’re staying compliant and up to date on legislation throughout the year, to make certain your year-end process is that much easier? Check out our [Payroll Guide](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/payroll-guide)! Key topics in this article: [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources)[T4 Season](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/t4-season)[Year End](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/year-end)[Payroll Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/payroll-resources)[SME](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/sme)[Acc-Book](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/acc-book) These articles are produced by Payworks as an information service. They are not intended to substitute professional legal, regulatory, tax, or financial advice. Readers must rely on their own advisors, as applicable, for such advice. [![Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/alberta-hr-compliance-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | August 04, 2026 Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know Key Takeaways Alberta employers have a focused but impo… [![National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/national-bank-of-canada-and-payworks-built-for-canadian-business?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 31, 2026 National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business Why Are Canadian Businesses Choosing Homegrown Solution… [![CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png?width=300&name=CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png)](https://blog.payworks.ca/cpp2-and-qpp2-explained-what-canadian-employers-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 21, 2026 CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know Key Takeaways: As of January 1, 2024, Canadian employer… [![Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's ahead](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/quebec-hr-compliance-in-2026-your-guide-to-whats-in-effect-and-whats-ahead?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 10, 2026 Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's … Key Takeaways Québec employers are navigating one of th… [![Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/pay-transparency-is-now-law-in-three-provinces-is-your-business-ready?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 07, 2026 Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready? Key Takeaways [![Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-b.c.-care-homes-payroll-data-ready-for-the-heabc-transition?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 30, 2026 Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition? Key Takeaways: Eligible unionized B.C. long-term care (… [![Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_June25.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_June25.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roes?hsLang=en-ca) [Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 12, 2026 Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide Key Takeaways: An ROE provides information on employmen… [![The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/the-canadian-2026-guide-to-holiday-stat-pay-employee-eligibility?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 09, 2026 The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility Statutory holiday eligibility rules differ across every… [![Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-payroll-provider-keeping-client-data-safe?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 05, 2026 Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe? How to choose a secure payroll partner: a guide for acc… [![From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/from-reporting-to-understanding-meet-payworks-analytics?hsLang=en-ca) [Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 02, 2026 From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics Key Takeaways [![What do employers need to know about Québec’s National Holiday?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_May24-1.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_May24-1.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/fete-nationale-du-quebec-stat-holiday-legislation?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | May 29, 2026 What do employers need to know about Québec’s National Holiday? Key takeaways La fête nationale du Québec (June 24) is … [![No surprises, no hidden fees – just affordable, accurate payroll](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogArticle_Pricing_May26.jpg?width=300&name=BlogArticle_Pricing_May26.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/no-surprises-no-hidden-fees-just-affordable-accurate-payroll?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | May 26, 2026 No surprises, no hidden fees – just affordable, accurate payroll Key Takeaways: Payworks offers transparent payroll pric… ![ ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20Stock%20Photography/Cavan%20-%20Arlee.png) ## Seeing is believing! Curious what better Canadian workforce management looks like in action (and how much time you could reclaim in your day-to-day)? Book a pressure-free, get-to-know you demo today. [REQUEST A DEMO](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/book-a-demo) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Payworks", "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/author/payworks" }, "dateModified" : "2026-02-03T15:00:02.026Z", "datePublished" : "2026-02-03T15:00:02.000Z", "headline" : "Asked and answered: five year-end questions from small businesses", "image" : [ "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogArticle_SmallBusiness_Year-End_Feb3.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/asked-and-answered-five-year-end-questions-from-small-businesses", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks.png" }, "name" : "Payworks" } } ```