OTTAWA - Starting January 2010, if you submit more than 50 original information returns (slips), you will be required to file electronically using the Internet? This means that if you previously filed returns on paper, DVD, CD, or diskette, you must now file over the Internet.

To assist filers in meeting the new requirements, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be increasing the file size for its secure Internet file transfer (XML) service from 20 megabytes to 150 megabytes. For T4 returns, filers will be able to send approximately 160,000 slips in an uncompressed file and 1.6 million slips in a compressed file. For T5 returns, filers will be able to send approximately 260,000 slips in an uncompressed file and 2.6 million slips in a compressed file.

Filers will receive a Web access code in the mail sometime between November 2009 and February 2010 depending on the type of information returns filed. It is the key to filing original and amended returns through the Internet.

The more common information returns are:

- T4 Statement of Remuneration Paid

- T4A Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income

- T5 Statement of Investment Income

- RRSP Contribution Receipts

- Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) Annual Information Return

If you are filing 50 slips or less, we encourage you to file using the Internet and benefit from a secure, easy to use service, immediate confirmation of filing, and a faster process that eliminates the need to mail a paper return, DVD, CD, or diskette.

You can view the status of your return through My Business Account. This service provides secure access 7 days a week and also allows you to view account balances and transactions, authorize a representative to access to your account information, and more. Additional information is available at www.cra.gc.ca/mybusinessaccount.