What is Form 4022, and How to File Your Annual Return

If your nonprofit is incorporated federally in Canada, filing Form 4022 — the Annual Return — is a non-negotiable compliance requirement. Required under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNCA), this annual filing keeps your organization's corporate status active with Corporations Canada.

In this guide, updated for 2026, we explain exactly what Form 4022 is, who needs to file it, when it's due, what it costs, and how to complete the online filing process step by step.

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What is Form 4022?

Form 4022 is a document that nonprofit organizations must file every year with Corporations Canada. It is required under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA) to keep your nonprofit’s registration up to date. The form asks for basic information about your nonprofit, such as:

• Name of the organization
• Address
• Directors
• Date of the last annual general meeting
• Whether the corporation is a soliciting corporation or not

This helps ensure that your nonprofit remains compliant with Canadian regulations and avoids penalties or even losing its corporate status.

What Does "Soliciting Corporation" Mean on Form 4022?

One question on Form 4022 asks whether your nonprofit is a soliciting or non-soliciting corporation. This distinction matters for governance requirements under the CNCA, and it is important to answer it correctly.

A soliciting corporation is one that has received more than $10,000 in income from public sources — such as donations, government grants, or fundraising revenue — in a single financial year. A non-soliciting corporation does not receive public funding above that threshold.

Soliciting corporations have stricter governance requirements under the CNCA, including a minimum number of directors and mandatory financial review or audit obligations. If you are unsure which category applies to your organization, speak with a charity lawyer before filing.

How is Form 4022 Different from the T3010?

You may be wondering if Form 4022 is the same as the T3010. The answer is no — they serve different purposes.

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If your nonprofit is also a registered charity, you will need to file both Form 4022 and the T3010 — but they are submitted separately to different government bodies.

Who Needs to File Form 4022?

Any nonprofit incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act must file Form 4022. This includes all organizations registered as federal nonprofits. If your organization is incorporated at the provincial or territorial level, you’ll need to follow local filing rules instead.

When Should You File Form 4022?

Form 4022 must be filed within 60 days of your nonprofit's anniversary date—the date of incorporation. For example, if your nonprofit was incorporated on January 1st, you need to file Form 4022 by March 1st each year.

How to File Form 4022 with Corporations Canada (2026)

As of 2026, all Annual Returns must be filed online through the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre, hosted on the ISED (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) website. This is the standard method — paper filing is no longer the preferred option.

The filing process is straightforward and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes if your organization's information is current. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Go to the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre: Visit the ISED website at ised-isde.canada.ca and navigate to the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre.

Step 2: Log in or create an account: You will need to log in using your CRA My Business Account credentials or a GCKey. If you do not have either, you can register for a GCKey on the Government of Canada website at no cost.

Step 3: Search for your corporation: Use your federal corporation number to locate your nonprofit's profile. Your corporation number can be found on your original Certificate of Incorporation or in any previous correspondence from Corporations Canada.

Step 4: Select "File Annual Return" from your corporation's profile?: Once you have accessed your corporation's profile, select the Annual Return filing option.

Step 5: Review and confirm your information: You will be asked to confirm or update the following details:

• Legal name of the organization
• Registered office address
• Director names and addresses
• Date of your last Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Whether your corporation is soliciting or non-soliciting

Make sure all information is accurate before proceeding. If any details have changed since your last filing, update them at this stage.

Step 6: Pay the filing fee: The current online filing fee is $12 CAD. Payment can be made by credit card through the secure portal.

Step 7: Submit and save your confirmation: After submitting, you will receive a confirmation receipt. Save this for your records — it is proof that your Annual Return was filed on time.

If you need help navigating the online filing process or are unsure about any of the information required, a charity lawyer can guide you through it.

What Happens if You Don't File Form 4022?

Failing to file Form 4022 on time can lead to serious consequences:

• Late fees may be applied.
• Your nonprofit could lose its corporate status and be dissolved by Corporations Canada.

To avoid penalties and the risk of dissolution, it’s essential to file on time every year.

Can You Reinstate a Dissolved Nonprofit?

If your nonprofit is dissolved by Corporations Canada for failing to file its Annual Return, you may be able to apply for revival. The revival process requires filing all outstanding Annual Returns, paying any applicable outstanding fees, and submitting a formal Revival Application to Corporations Canada.

However, revival is not guaranteed. The process can be time-consuming, and there is no assurance that your corporation's original name or status will be fully restored. In some cases, a dissolved nonprofit may also lose access to its bank accounts and assets during the period of dissolution, creating significant operational disruption.

The bottom line: it is always faster, cheaper, and easier to file Form 4022 on time than to deal with the consequences of missing the deadline.

Where Can You Find Form 4022?

Form 4022 is filed directly through the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre on the ISED website. While a PDF version of the form exists for reference, all current filings are completed digitally through the online portal.

Stay Compliant with Form 4022

Filing Form 4022 is crucial for keeping your nonprofit in good standing. It helps Corporations Canada track your organization’s information and ensures that you remain compliant with the law. Be sure to file on time every year to avoid late fees or losing your corporate status.

If you're also a registered charity, remember to file T3010 with the CRA as well. By staying on top of your filing requirements, you can keep your nonprofit running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form 4022

Is Form 4022 the same as the Annual Return? 

Yes. Form 4022 is the official document name for the Annual Return that federally incorporated nonprofits file with Corporations Canada each year. The two terms refer to the same filing requirement.

How much does it cost to file Form 4022? 

As of 2026, the online filing fee is $12 CAD. Corporations Canada strongly recommends filing online rather than by paper, and the online portal is the standard method for all current filings.

What is the deadline for filing Form 4022? 

Form 4022 must be filed within 60 days of your corporation's anniversary date — the date your nonprofit was originally incorporated. For example, if your organization was incorporated on March 1, your Annual Return is due no later than April 30 each year.

Do provincial nonprofits need to file Form 4022? 

No. Form 4022 applies only to nonprofits incorporated federally under the CNCA. If your organization is incorporated provincially — for example, under Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) — you will have separate provincial filing requirements that differ from Form 4022.

Can I file Form 4022 and the T3010 at the same time? 

No. They are filed with two different government bodies and have different deadlines. Form 4022 goes to Corporations Canada; the T3010 goes to the CRA. If your nonprofit is also a registered charity, you need to file both forms, but they must be submitted separately through their respective portals.

What if my nonprofit's director information has changed? 

You can update director information when filing your Annual Return. You can also update it at any time through the Corporations Canada Online Filing Centre by filing a Change of Directors. Keeping director information current is a legal obligation under the CNCA.

What if I miss the 60-day deadline? 

Filing late may result in late fees, and continued non-filing can lead to dissolution of your corporation. If you have missed a deadline, file as soon as possible to minimize consequences. If your nonprofit has already been dissolved, you will need to apply for revival — a process that is more complex and not guaranteed.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form 4022? 

Most nonprofits can complete the Annual Return filing on their own through the online portal, as it primarily involves confirming basic organizational information. However, if your organization has experienced changes in directors, address, or soliciting status, or if you have missed previous filings, it is a good idea to consult a charity lawyer to ensure everything is in order.

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