Can I file a zero corporate tax return myself in Canada?

Yes. You'll need a CRA Web Access Code or My Business Account, CRA-certified T2 software, and the patience to complete Schedules 100, 125, 141, and 50. Most owners spend 4–8 hours; a flat-fee service is faster and typically cheaper than the software itself.

What software can I use to file a T2 nil return?

Any CRA-certified T2 software — TaxCycle, ProFile, UFile T2, and TurboTax Business are common choices. The CRA publishes the full certified list each tax year.

Do I need to mail anything if I e-file a nil T2?

No. E-filed T2s are transmitted directly to the CRA — nothing needs to be mailed. Keep your Confirmation Number and the eventual Notice of Assessment for your records.

What's the difference between a nil T2 and a T2 Short return?

A nil T2 has zero activity. The T2 Short Return is a simplified form for certain small corporations with some activity but very simple finances. If you had any income or expenses, you likely need the T2 Short rather than a true nil.

How much does it cost to file a zero corporate tax return?

DIY costs $0–$300 depending on software. A traditional accountant charges $400–$800. NilTaxReturn charges a flat $149 CAD + HST and files within 72 hours.

Memorandum

To:: Canadian Corporation Owners
From:: NilTaxReturn · Filing Department
Date:: June 19, 2026
Re:: How to File a Zero Corporate Tax Return in Canada

How to File a Zero Corporate Tax Return in Canada

A zero (nil) corporate tax return is a T2 with no revenue, no expenses, and no tax owing. The CRA still requires you to file one every year your corporation exists — here's how to do it step by step.

Reviewed by NilTaxReturn · Canadian tax professional · Updated June 16, 2026

Who needs to file a zero return?

Every Canadian corporation that is incorporated and not yet dissolved must file a T2 each year, regardless of activity. That includes:

Numbered companies opened "just in case" but never operated
Holding companies with no income
Inactive corporations between projects
Corporations that closed bank accounts but haven't filed dissolution paperwork

What you'll need before you start

Corporation name and 9-digit Business Number (BN)
Corporation number (from Corporations Canada or provincial registry)
Head office and mailing addresses
Fiscal year-end date
Articles of Incorporation (PDF)
Prior-year T2 (if any)
CRA Web Access Code, or My Business Account access
Director and shareholder details (name + SIN for Schedule 50)

Step 1 — Confirm it's truly a nil return

"Zero" means no income, no expenses, no transactions, no GST/HST collected. If you had even a few dollars of interest in a corporate account or paid a registry fee from it, the return technically isn't nil. When in doubt, treat it as a regular T2.

Step 2 — Get a CRA Web Access Code (WAC)

CRA-certified tax software requires either My Business Account or a one-time WAC to transmit a T2. Request your WAC at canada.ca → CRA → T2 Web Access Code. You'll need your BN and the corporation's last filed T2 details.

Step 3 — Complete the T2 schedules

For a nil return, you still complete the core T2 jacket plus these schedules:

Schedule 100 (Balance Sheet) — even if zeroes across the board
Schedule 125 (Income Statement) — zero revenue and zero expenses
Schedule 141 (GIFI checklist)
Schedule 50 (Shareholder info) for CCPCs
Schedule 8 (CCA) if the corporation owns depreciable assets

Step 4 — File electronically (mandatory in most cases)

Corporations with gross revenue over $1 million are required to e-file. For nil returns, e-filing is still the cleanest option and the CRA accepts it through any certified T2 software. Paper filing is allowed but slower and more error-prone.

Step 5 — Keep your Notice of Assessment

After acceptance, the CRA issues a Notice of Assessment (NOA) within a few weeks. Keep every NOA for at least 6 years — it's the proof your corporation is in good standing.

DIY vs. outsourcing

DIY makes sense if you already use accounting software, have a clean prior-year T2 to copy from, and have a WAC ready. Otherwise the math doesn't favor it: WAC retrieval, certified software, and the time to navigate the schedules typically cost more than a flat-fee filing service.

§ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a zero corporate tax return myself in Canada?: Yes. You'll need a CRA Web Access Code or My Business Account, CRA-certified T2 software, and the patience to complete Schedules 100, 125, 141, and 50. Most owners spend 4–8 hours; a flat-fee service is faster and typically cheaper than the software itself.
What software can I use to file a T2 nil return?: Any CRA-certified T2 software — TaxCycle, ProFile, UFile T2, and TurboTax Business are common choices. The CRA publishes the full certified list each tax year.
Do I need to mail anything if I e-file a nil T2?: No. E-filed T2s are transmitted directly to the CRA — nothing needs to be mailed. Keep your Confirmation Number and the eventual Notice of Assessment for your records.
What's the difference between a nil T2 and a T2 Short return?: A nil T2 has zero activity. The T2 Short Return is a simplified form for certain small corporations with some activity but very simple finances. If you had any income or expenses, you likely need the T2 Short rather than a true nil.
How much does it cost to file a zero corporate tax return?: DIY costs $0–$300 depending on software. A traditional accountant charges $400–$800. NilTaxReturn charges a flat $149 CAD + HST and files within 72 hours.

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