Payroll remitter type (regular, quarterly, accelerated)

A buyer meets the remitter type when taking over a payroll account or opening a new one. The CRA says it sets the remitting frequency and affects the due dates, so a wrong assumption can mean a late remittance in the first weeks after closing.

How the CRA sets it

The CRA’s page on types of remitters lists regular, quarterly, and accelerated remitters at Threshold 1 and Threshold 2. It says the type is generally based on the average monthly withholding amount from two calendar years ago. Quarterly status also depends on a perfect compliance record on payroll and GST/HST accounts. New employers are treated separately: the CRA sets conditions for a new employer to remit quarterly, and lists a new employer that does not meet them among regular remitters. The dollar thresholds are on the CRA page.

What to check or ask

• Which remitter type the seller’s account holds
• Whether the seller’s remittances were on time
• Whether a new payroll account will qualify to remit quarterly or start as a regular remitter

See how to handle payroll on closing day and payroll account.