Fill Out CRA Form T1213 Online
Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source
Canada Revenue Agency
Asks the CRA to authorize your employer to reduce income tax withheld from your pay for recurring deductions such as RRSP contributions.
Reviewed July 2026
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Form T1213, Request to Reduce Tax Deductions at Source, asks the Canada Revenue Agency to authorize your employer to withhold less income tax from your pay. It is designed for people with large recurring deductions or credits, such as RRSP contributions, support payments, child care expenses, or employment expenses, who would otherwise overpay tax all year and wait for a refund at filing time.
You can complete the T1213 in the Universal PDF editor, enter your expected deductions for the year, sign it, and download the PDF to send to the CRA with your supporting documents. If the CRA approves the request, it issues a letter of authority that you give to your employer's payroll department.
What is Form T1213 used for
Payroll withholding is based on standard tables and your TD1 credits, which do not account for deductions like regular RRSP contributions or deductible support payments. The T1213 lets you show the CRA those amounts in advance so your withholding can reflect your real expected tax for the year.
The practical effect is more take-home pay during the year instead of a larger refund after you file. Your total tax for the year does not change; only the timing does.
Who files Form T1213
Employees with significant recurring deductions file it: common examples are regular RRSP contributions not made through payroll, deductible support payments, child care expenses, employment expenses supported by a T2200, carrying charges, and significant donations. The official instructions list the categories the CRA will consider.
The request generally covers one calendar year, so many people submit a new T1213 each year. Submitting well before the year begins, or early in the year, gives the CRA time to process it so the reduced withholding applies to as many pay periods as possible.
How to fill out Form T1213
The form is short, but the supporting documents matter:
- Identification: your name, address, social insurance number, and the tax year the request covers.
- Employer information: the employer or payer who will apply the reduced withholding once the CRA approves.
- Deductions and credits: the amounts you expect for the year in each category, such as RRSP contributions, support payments, child care, or employment expenses.
- Supporting documents: proof for each amount, such as RRSP contribution schedules, a court order or written agreement for support, or receipts for other claims.
- Certification: sign and date the request. Incomplete or unsupported requests are a common cause of delays.
- Keep copies: retain the full package for your records before sending it.
Where to send it
Send the completed form and supporting documents to the CRA; the current submission options and addresses are listed on the official CRA website and in the form's instructions. If the CRA approves, it sends you a letter of authority, and you give that letter to your payroll department, since your employer cannot reduce withholding without it.
Frequently asked questions
The TD1 tells your employer about standard personal credits and goes straight to payroll. The T1213 covers deductions the TD1 cannot capture, and it requires CRA approval before your employer can act on it.
Processing times vary. The CRA publishes current service standards, and submitting early with complete documentation is the best way to avoid delays.
Generally no. The letter of authority applies to the year requested, and most filers submit a new T1213 each year while the recurring deduction continues.
No. It changes when you keep your money, not how much tax you ultimately pay. Your actual tax is settled when you file your T1 return.
If the deductions you claimed will no longer happen, tell the CRA and your payroll department. Withholding that is too low can leave you with a balance owing at filing time.
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