When Should I File a Nil T2 for a Short First Tax Year?
$300.00 Plus HST Per Tax Year
We are a registered EFILE electronic filer. Your return is transmitted to the Canada Revenue Agency electronically.
Written and reviewed by Sharad Gondaliya, CPA (Ontario), CPA Ontario Membership 61040184.
Within six months of the short year-end, on the same rule as a full year. A first tax year that runs less than twelve months is still a complete tax year and still needs its own T2. The next tax year then runs from the day after that short year-end.
When Should I File a Nil T2 for a Short First Tax Year?
| Example | Date |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | March 15, 2026 |
| Short first year-end chosen | December 31, 2026 |
| First tax year | March 15 to December 31, 2026 |
| First T2 due | June 30, 2027 |
| Second tax year starts | January 1, 2027 |
| Fee to file | $300.00 plus HST per tax year |
A true nil return carries no percentage late-filing penalty, because that penalty is a percentage of tax owing and the corporation owes $0.00. The unfiled year still stays open forever, invites a demand to file and an arbitrary assessment, blocks a clearance certificate and dissolution, and costs a non-resident-owned corporation $25.00 per day up to $2,500.00.
A short first year is common, because the year-end is chosen to suit the corporation rather than to fill twelve months. The shorter period does not reduce the fee and does not change the six-month rule.
Filing a Nil Return
This service is for a corporation with no activity in the tax year. A corporation with investment income, rental income, or dividends paid or received is not nil.
We are a registered EFILE electronic filer. Your return is transmitted to the Canada Revenue Agency electronically, and your CRA confirmation is emailed within 3 business days. You sign Form T183CORP before we transmit. The fee is $300.00 plus HST per tax year. See the full nil T2 filing cost, every T2 filing deadline, and catch-up nil T2 filing for outstanding years.
For the whole subject in one place, see the complete guide to the nil T2 return.
Related Questions
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Last reviewed: October 26, 2026