Filing a corporate tax return (T2) in Canada can feel overwhelming, especially if you're doing it for the first time or managing a growing business. The good news is you now have flexible options depending on how hands-on you want to be.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including when to choose a done-for-you service, a guided CPA review, or a DIY approach using CloudTax.
What Is a T2 Corporate Tax Return?
A T2 return is the corporate income tax return that all resident corporations in Canada must file annually with the CRA, even if there is no tax payable.
It includes:
Financial statements
Tax adjustments
Schedules for deductions, credits, and shareholder activity
If you run a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC), your filing will often include additional schedules depending on your business activity.
Your T2 Filing Options on CloudTax
CloudTax gives you three flexible ways to file depending on your level of comfort and complexity.
1. Done-for-You Corporate Tax Filing
If you want a fully hands-off experience, CloudTax’s expert service is the simplest option: https://www.cloudtax.ca/corporate-tax
Pricing
Economy Plan: $749/year
Full Review & Filing: $1,249/year
What’s Included
Corporate T2 preparation and filing with CRA
Access to tax consultation with an expert
Basic personal tax filing included
Post-audit support and tax optimization
Additional services:
GST/HST filing (add-on)
T-slip filing (included or add-on depending on plan)
Bookkeeping and tax planning available in higher-tier plans
Complimentary Discovery Call
If you're considering done-for-you filing, you can start with a free discovery call: https://cal.com/nim.bala/t2
This is ideal to:
Understand your specific situation
Get clarity on pricing and scope
Ensure this option is the right fit for your business
Best For
Corporations with moderate to complex filings
Business owners who want zero stress
Companies needing tax planning and ongoing support
Important Disclaimer
Pricing may vary depending on the complexity of your corporate structure, financials, and filing requirements. Final pricing is confirmed after review.
2. DIY T2 Filing Software
If you’re comfortable filing yourself, you can use CloudTax’s DIY T2 software:
You can file corporate returns for periods between January 01, 2023 and May 31, 2026.
DIY Pricing Options
T2 Nil (Pay What You Want, including $0)
Best for corporations with no activity or minimal startup costs.
Features include:
Guided filing in plain language
Built-in checks before submission
Supports basic startup costs
Download full filing records
File online using CRA Web Access Code (WAC)
Not included:
Human review or tax advice
Bookkeeping cleanup
CRA follow-up support
👉 What counts as a Nil return:
https://help.cloudtax.ca/en/articles/13980580-t2-nil-return-explained-what-counts-as-a-nil-corporate-tax-return-in-canada
T2 Basic DIY ($199 per year-end)
Best for owner-managed corporations that want control with guardrails.
Features include:
Guided filing workflow
Support for common schedules
Built-in validation checks
Downloadable T2 PDF package
File online using CRA Web Access Code (WAC)
Not included:
Human review or tax advice
Tax planning or optimization
Bookkeeping or cleanup
CRA audit representation
This option works well for simple corporations with straightforward financials.
3. T2 Review & File with a CPA (Guided Support)
If you want the best of both worlds, you can file yourself and then have a CPA review everything with you: https://cal.com/team/review-file/t2
Best For
DIY filers who want expert validation
Business owners looking to maximize refunds or minimize taxes
Anyone who wants a second set of eyes before submitting
What You Get
1:1 session with a CPA
Walkthrough of your return
Accuracy check and compliance review
Optimization of refund or balance owing
Reduced risk of future CRA issues
When DIY T2 Filing Makes Sense
The DIY option works best when:
Your revenue streams are simple
You have minimal or no complex tax adjustments
Your financials are already organized
You understand basic corporate tax concepts
If that sounds like you, the DIY route can save both time and money.
Supported T2 Forms and Schedules (CloudTax DIY)
CloudTax’s T2 software is designed for simple to moderately complex CCPCs, covering the majority of owner-managed corporations.
Core T2 forms:
T2 (200) Corporation Income Tax Return
Schedule 1 Net Income (Loss) for Income Tax Purposes
Schedule 5 Tax Calculation Supplementary
Schedule 100 Balance Sheet Information
Schedule 101 Opening Balance Sheet
Schedule 125 Income Statement Information
Common CCPC schedules:
Schedule 3 Dividends Received and Paid (Part IV tax)
Schedule 4 Corporation Loss Continuity and Application
Schedule 6 Capital Property Dispositions
Schedule 7 Aggregate Investment Income and Small Business Deduction
Schedule 8 Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
Schedule 9 Related and Associated Corporations
Schedule 11 Transactions with Shareholders, Officers, or Employees
Additional reporting:
Schedule 19 Non Resident Shareholder Information
Schedule 24 First time filer after incorporation, amalgamation, or wind up
Schedule 50 Shareholder Information
Schedule 88 Internet Business Activities
Schedule 141 Notes Checklist
This setup works well for standard CCPC filings with dividends, CCA, losses, shareholder activity, and QuickBooks-based financials.
DIY vs Done-for-You vs CPA Review: Which Should You Choose?
Simple finances and confident filing → DIY T2 Software
No activity or just incorporated → T2 Nil (Pay What You Want)
Want expert validation without full service → CPA Review & File
Limited time or complex situation → Done-for-You
Final Thoughts
Filing your T2 return doesn’t have to be stressful. CloudTax gives you the flexibility to choose how involved you want to be.
If you want control and cost efficiency, go DIY.
If you want guidance and confidence, choose a CPA review.
If you want everything handled for you, go done-for-you.
No matter your stage, there’s an option that fits your business.