Glossary

Select or type the first letter of the topic you are looking for, and click the "Go" button. For example, if you are looking for "Business Number", select or type the letter "B".

- A -

Access code

Authentication

Authentication protects information by verifying the identity of the parties on both ends of the Internet connection, before confidential information is exchanged. Your Web access code and Business Number are positively identified at the time of log-in.

Throughout a session, extensive measures maintain security. In addition, server authentication ensures that you're communicating directly with the CRA and not with an unauthorized party.

- B -

Bookmark

In a Web browser–such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator–a bookmark (or "Favourite") is a way to save the current link, so that you won't have to type in the complete address the next time you want to visit the same site.

Business Number

This is the account number assigned by the CRA that uniquely defines the filer payroll deductions program identifier (RP account).

Browser

This type of software lets users browse through the World Wide Web. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are the most well-known browsers.

- C -

Cache

Your cache stores information where it can be accessed quickly. Your Web browser stores pages, sounds, URLs, and images in caches where they can be easily retrieved. As the user backs through the links, the pages are retrieved quickly, saving the time of a reload.

CAP

This is the acronym for the Community Access Program sponsored by Industry Canada.

CRA

On December 12, 2003, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency became the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Certificate

A Web site certificate is used when a secure Web site sends Internet Explorer a certificate that provides certain information about security for that Web site. A certificate is issued to a particular organization for a specific period of time. When you try to open that organization's Web site, Internet Explorer verifies the Internet address stored in the certificate and that the current date precedes the expiration date. If not, Internet Explorer can display a warning. For example, a Web site certificate would contain information verifying that the site is secure and genuine. This ensures that no other Web site can assume the identity of the original secure site.

Confirmation number

This is the number that we'll electronically send back to you after your information return is received by the CRA. Keep this number for your records.

Cookie

A cookie is a small information file that's transferred from a Web server to your Web browser to be stored and accessed on your computer. There are several types of cookies that are used for many different reasons, depending on the Web site you're visiting. One of the most common reasons for a Web site to send you cookies is to remember who you are and your preferences for certain kinds of information. Only the site that sends you cookies is able to read them.

- D -

Desktop application

A downloadable Desktop application allows clients, on their computer, to create, print, save, and submit an electronic information return.

Download

You copy a file from a remote system to your computer. There are several different methods, or protocols, for downloading files.

- E -

Electronic commerce

Broadly, this is the delivery of information, products, services, or payments by telephone, computer, or other automated media. More narrowly, it is business-to-consumer and business-to-business transactions conducted over computer networks, whether public (such as the Internet) or private.

Electronic signature

Two pieces of identification–your Business Number and your Web access code–make up your electronic authentication which is considered an official signature for the Internet filing of information returns.

Encryption

Encryption is used to ensure that an unauthorized party won't access your personal information. Data you send from your computer is encrypted before leaving it. Encryption alters your data into a format that can be safely transmitted over the Internet. Once the data has been encrypted, it cannot be read until it reaches its destination and is decrypted, using a decryption key.

- F -

FAQ

This is an initalism for "frequently asked question". FAQ include answers. Internet filing FAQs are accessible from our Support page.

Filer

A filer is any payer, trader, dealer, disbursing agent, or employer responsible for reporting income and deduction data under the provisions of the Income Tax Act.

Firewall

A firewall acts as a barrier between internal and external computers in a network, controlling the flow of information between the two. When a computer outside the firewall wishes to communicate with a computer inside, it must communicate with the firewall, which then passes the data to the internal computer. This two-step process protects the CRA's internal network from unauthorized access.

Filer account number

See Business Number

- J -

JavaScript

JavaScript is a scripting language which works primarily on Web pages and is used frequently to: add visual functions such as alert boxes and pop-up windows, create animations, as well as detect browser, browser version, and platform.

Java applets

Java applets are little applications which work primarily on Web pages and Web servers and are used frequently to perform specialized tasks.

Java Runtime Environment (JRE)

JRE is comparable to a plug-in. Much as plug-ins add abilities to your browser, JRE gives your computer the ability to run Java applications. Without JRE, your computer couldn't run applications written in Java. (see the JRE online manual).

- M -

Magnetic media specifications

The CRA encourages employers to file their returns on magnetic media (reel or cartridge) or diskette and provides computer specifications for magnetic media filing.

Modem

A combined form of modulator-demodulator, a modem is a device that allows computers to transmit data over telephone lines.

- P -

Packet

Whenever information is sent over the Internet, it is divided into smaller multiple parts or packets to make transmission easier. These packets of information are then reassembled when they reach their destination.

- S -

Service bureau

This is a business that prepares and submits returns to the CRA on behalf of clients.

Software Developer

This is a retail business that develops and markets software products that prepare CRA information returns.

Software user

This is a business or person that buys software products to prepare submissions.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)

SSL protocol was developed by Netscape Communications Corporation to secure Internet communications by encrypting sessions between your Web browser and a Web server. When sensitive information is being sent over the Internet between your browser and a Web server, SSL verifies that the information has not been altered in any way en route. All major browsers released in recent years support SSL.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol ensures the privacy of information passing between your browser and our Web servers. SSL protocol provides a safe passage for the transmission of data and authentication processes by encrypting the information. Data can't be compromised when SSL is in use. This is the most secure form of encryption commonly available in North America.

This is a typical requirement for Web-based services-such as online banking or shopping-where securing personal information is a priority. When you access Internet filing, our server will verify your browser's encryption capability (no other information will be accessed).

- T -

T4 electronic return file transfer Web page

The T4 electronic return file transfer Web page is where you attach the file containing your electronic information return for transmission to the CRA.

T4 information return

This return records an employee's salary, wages, tips or gratuities, and employment commissions paid during the year. It consists of a T4 slip for each employee and a T4 summary of all slips.

T4 Internet filing

This is a fast, easy, secure, and convenient way to file your information return over the Internet.

T4 Internet file for Software Developers

Business clients that use commercial software will be able to create and submit an electronic T4 Information Return that meets the XML format to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) via the Internet.

T4 Desktop application

This downloadable Desktop application allows employers, on their computer, to create, print, save, and submit an electronic T4 information return.

T4 slip

This is the Statement of Remuneration Paid.

T4 Web form

Using a browser, the T4 Web form allows you to complete, print, and transmit a T4 information return.

Tax preparer

This is a business or person that prepares returns for clients, and then has yous send the submission to the CRA.

Transmitter

A transmitter is anyone who submits returns, for oneself or for others.

- W -

WAC

This is an acronym for Web access code, a personalized code that the CRA provides to you.

Web access code

A Web access code is a personalized code that the CRA mails to you. The Web access code is needed, with other identifiers such as a SIN or a Business Number, to access the secure areas of the CRA's Internet filing Web sites.

- U -

Upload

To upload is to copy a file from your computer to a CRA system over the Internet.

URL

This initialism for "universal resource locator" – refers to an address on the World Wide Web. For example, www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/T4Internet/. You need a browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator to read the information.

- X -

XML (eXtensible Markup Language)

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a flexible way to create common information formats and share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web. A formal recommendation from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), XML is similar to the language of today's Web pages, the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).