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How Much Does a CPA Charge for a T2 Corporate Tax Return in Canada?

Real pricing ranges, what drives cost up, and how to evaluate whether you're getting fair value for your corporate tax filing.

Published May 6, 2026 · 6 min read · By Adapt Accounting Services CPA

T2 pricing is one of the most common questions new business owners ask after incorporating. Most CPAs don't publish their fees, which leaves you guessing. Here's an honest look at the market.

Typical T2 Cost Ranges in Ontario (2026)

Corporation TypeTypical Range
Simple holding company (no active income)$500 – $900
Small active CCPC, clean books, low volume$800 – $1,500
Small active CCPC, moderate complexity$1,200 – $2,500
Multiple shareholders, dividends, RDTOH$1,500 – $3,000
Multi-jurisdictional, complex transactions$3,000 – $6,000+
Large firm / Bay Street CPA$3,000 – $15,000+

What Drives T2 Cost Up?

  • Bookkeeping state of records

    Clean, reconciled books from QuickBooks or accounting software = lower cost. Shoebox receipts = significantly higher cost (or a separate bookkeeping cleanup charge).

  • Number of transactions

    A corp with $500K in sales and 200 transactions takes more time than one with $80K and 50 transactions.

  • Dividend/salary mix complexity

    If you paid yourself a salary (T4) and dividends, the CPA needs to prepare a T4 slip, coordinate with payroll, and optimize the mix.

  • Shareholder loans

    Section 15 deemed benefit rules and shareholder loan tracking add complexity and audit risk.

  • RDTOH, GRIP, LRIP accounts

    These tax accounts (Refundable Dividend Tax on Hand, General Rate Income Pool) accumulate inside corps and require careful tracking.

  • Year-end adjustments

    If your books aren't on accrual basis or need adjustment for tax purposes, that's additional work.

When Is the T2 Due?

The T2 is due 6 months after your corporation's fiscal year end. Tax owing, however, is due 3 months after year-end (2 months for large CCPCs). So for a December 31 year-end: filing deadline is June 30, but taxes must be paid by March 31.

Late filing penalty: 5% of unpaid tax + 1% per month up to 12 months. If you filed late in 3 of the previous 10 years, the penalty doubles to 10% + 2%/month.

How to Keep T2 Costs Low

  • Maintain clean, reconciled books throughout the year (or use our bookkeeping service)
  • Reconcile all bank and credit card accounts monthly
  • Keep your personal and corporate finances strictly separate
  • Track shareholder loans precisely
  • Communicate proactively with your CPA rather than handing over a mess in April

T2 Filing Included in Our Service Packages

T2 corporate tax returns are included in our service packages. No hourly billing surprises. See our transparent pricing.

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