Understanding CRA Error Code T828 During EFILE Transmission
When electronically filing a tax return through EFILE, some taxpayers and tax preparers encounter error messages that prevent successful submission.
One such error is T828, which is not a software-related issue but an error message directly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This means the rejection is based on CRA’s validation rules, not the tax software being used.
What is Error Code T828?
Error Message (Directly from CRA):
T828: The given name and surname of the taxpayer must be provided in the Name of taxpayer or legal representative field if the taxpayer has signed the signature page. Only alpha characters and punctuation such as hyphens, apostrophes, and periods will be accepted. Any other character types cannot be transmitted.
This error means that CRA’s system is rejecting the return due to an issue with the taxpayer's name format or a mismatch with their records.
What Causes T828?
Since this error originates from CRA’s system, it typically occurs due to:
✅ 1. Name Mismatch with CRA Records
The first and last name entered in the return does not match exactly what the CRA has on file.
Example: If CRA records list the taxpayer as "John A. Doe", entering "John Doe" may trigger this error.
✅ 2. Invalid Characters in the Name
The CRA only accepts letters, hyphens (-), apostrophes ('), and periods (.) in the name field.
Spaces, numbers, or other symbols (e.g., @, #, $, !, *^) will cause rejection.
Example of an invalid name: "John@Doe"
✅ 3. Legal Representative Name Not Entered Correctly
If a legal representative is filing on behalf of the taxpayer, their name must be correctly entered as per CRA records.
How to Fix T828?
Since this is a CRA validation error, resolving it requires:
✅ Step 1: Verify the Taxpayer’s Name
Confirm the spelling and format exactly as registered with CRA.
Check past CRA correspondence (e.g., Notices of Assessment) for reference.
✅ Step 2: Remove Any Invalid Characters
Ensure only letters, hyphens, apostrophes, and periods are used.
Remove extra spaces or special symbols.
✅ Step 3: Verify Legal Representative Information
If applicable, check if a legal representative is properly assigned to the taxpayer in CRA records.
✅ Step 4: Contact CRA for Further Assistance
If the issue persists, call the CRA EFILE Helpdesk at 1-800-959-5525.
CRA agents can check:
If the taxpayer’s name format is causing the issue.
If the taxpayer has restrictions that require filing by paper.
Conclusion
Error T828 is not a software-related issue—it is a validation error directly from CRA.
The rejection happens because CRA’s system detects a mismatch or an invalid character in the taxpayer’s name.
To avoid this issue, ensure that the name entered exactly matches CRA records and contains only allowed characters.
If the problem persists, contact EFILE Helpdesk to confirm their records and resolve the discrepancy.