Online Payroll Services in Canada
Running payroll in Canada means calculating each employee's pay, withholding income tax, CPP and EI, remitting those deductions to the CRA on time, and filing T4 slips at year end. Accountants Online provides fully online payroll processing for Canadian small businesses — calculations, remittances and year-end forms handled remotely through a secure client portal.
Written by the Accountants Online Tax Team · Last reviewed: September 11, 2026 · Tax year: 2026
What payroll involves
Employers must determine applicable payroll account, withholding, remittance and reporting obligations. These generally include income tax, CPP contributions and EI premiums, plus employer contributions and annual T4 reporting. Quebec has separate provincial requirements administered by Revenu Québec, including QPP and QPIP. Rates, deductions and remittance schedules depend on the employment situation and province.
Remittance deadlines
- Regular (monthly) remitters: due by the 15th of the month following the month the deductions were made.
- Quarterly remitters: due within 15 days after the end of each quarter.
- The CRA assigns your remittance type when you register, based on your average monthly withholding amount.
- Late-remittance penalties are 3% for 1–3 days late, 5% for 4–5 days, 7% for 6–7 days and 10% after 7 days or for non-payment. A second or subsequent penalty in the same calendar year can be 20% when the failure is knowing or grossly negligent.
Year-end obligations
Employers must issue T4 slips to employees and file them with the CRA by the last day of February (moved to the next business day when it falls on a weekend). Records of employment (ROEs) must be filed with Service Canada when an employee stops working.
What we need from you
- Employee information: SIN, date of birth, address, TD1 forms
- Pay schedule and salary or hourly rates
- Hours worked, overtime and bonuses per pay period
- Direct deposit details for each employee
- Your CRA payroll program account number (or we help you register)
How online payroll with Accountants Online works
- A flat-rate monthly quote based on your number of employees and pay frequency.
- Send hours and changes through the secure client portal each pay cycle.
- We calculate pay and deductions, and provide direct deposit instructions and pay stubs.
- We prepare each remittance and your year-end T4s, filed on time with the CRA.
Common payroll mistakes
- Remitting late — penalties generally start at 3% and rise with the length of the delay.
- Treating employees as contractors; the CRA applies its own tests to decide worker status.
- Missing the TD1 forms that determine each employee's income tax withholding.
- Not issuing ROEs on time when an employee leaves.
Frequently asked questions
When are payroll remittances due in Canada?
Regular monthly remitters must remit by the 15th of the month following the pay period; quarterly remitters within 15 days after the quarter ends. The CRA assigns your remittance schedule when you register your payroll account.
When are T4 slips due?
T4 slips must be given to employees and filed with the CRA by the last day of February for the previous calendar year. When the date falls on a weekend, it moves to the next business day.
What is the penalty for remitting payroll late?
The CRA's late-remittance scale is 3% for 1–3 days, 5% for 4–5 days, 7% for 6–7 days and 10% for more than 7 days or no remittance. A second or subsequent penalty in the same calendar year can be 20% where the failure is knowing or grossly negligent. Interest may also apply.
Do I need a payroll account with the CRA to hire employees?
Yes. Before your first remittance due date you must open a payroll program (RP) account with the CRA and register as an employer. Accountants Online can set this up as part of onboarding.
Can payroll be fully outsourced online?
Yes. You submit hours and employee changes through a secure portal each pay cycle; we handle calculations, pay stubs, remittances and year-end T4s. There is no in-person requirement.