An XML file was refused

What this does

SeroPayroll checks T4, T4A and ROE Web files against the official schema before it saves them. A file that fails is not saved and not recorded. The message lists each problem.

The built-in refusal

The messages read:

• "The T4 return does not pass CRA's checks."
• "The return would be rejected. Fix the issues listed and try again." (T4A)
• "The ROE Web file does not pass Service Canada's checks."

Steps

1. Read each problem. It names the element.
2. Fix the cause. Common causes:
   • The company's legal name, business number, payroll (RP) account, address, postal code or payroll contact is missing. Fix it in Settings › Company.
   • An employee has no SIN or address. Fix it on the employee.
   • A contractor has no name, SIN or business number, or an incomplete address.
   • The contact phone does not have 10 digits.
3. Check Year-End readiness. See Year-end readiness.
4. Make the file again.

If CRA or Service Canada still rejects the file

The in-app check does not test identity constraints or xsi:type. A file can pass here and still be refused. Read the agency's message, fix the data, and make the file again. A T4 return you saved earlier stays in the filing history.

Good to know

• Under a trial licence, XML files cannot be made at all. See What a trial cannot do.
• The RL-1 XML is not built yet.
• The ROE Web file marks drafts as issued only when it passes.