Line 31200 is a key line to pay close attention to when filing your annual personal income tax return in Canada. This line allows employees to claim a deduction for the employment insurance (EI) premiums paid over the tax year through automatic deductions off their paychecks.
This guide explains everything you need to know about properly filling out this line.
What is Line 31200?
Line 31200 of the T1 personal income tax return is where employees claim the total EI premiums paid through deductions off their employment income. The amount reported on this line reduces an individual’s overall taxable income for the year.
Who Can Claim Line 31200?
Line 31200 is for employees who paid EI premiums through deductions from their employment income. You can claim EI premiums as long as you meet these criteria:
- You were a resident of Canada in the tax year.
- You received insurable earnings of more than $2,000 (more details below).
- EI premiums were deducted from your paycheck and reported in Box 18 and/or Box 55 of your T4 slip(s).
How Are EI Premiums Calculated?
EI premiums are based on your insurable earnings up to a maximum amount per year. Insurable earnings include:
- Employment income is reported in Box 14 of your T4 slips.
- Taxable benefits received through employment.
Key EI Premium Maximums for 2024
| Province or Territory | Maximum EI Premium for 2024 |
| Outside Quebec | $1,049.12 |
| Quebec (worked only in the province) | $834.24 |
If your total insurable earnings for the year are $2,000 or less, you are exempt from paying EI premiums.
Any overpayments of EI are calculated by the CRA when they process your return. You can also manually calculate overpayments by completing Form T2204 or Schedule 10 if you were a Quebec resident who worked outside the province.
What Types of Income To Include on Line 31200
To figure out your total EI premiums paid for the year, you need to look at your T4 slips.
For residents of Canada outside Quebec:
- Claim the total amounts from Box 18 of all your T4 slips.
For Quebec residents:
- If you only worked in Quebec, claim the Box 18 amounts.
- If you worked outside Quebec, complete Schedule 10 and then claim those calculated amounts.
Common Errors and Issues With Line 31200
Some of the most common mistakes with Line 31200 include:
- Entering $0 in Box 24 of the T4 when it should be left blank. This underreports insurable earnings.
- Forgetting to include one of your T4 slips. This leads to underclaimed EI premiums.
- Self-employed individuals are incorrectly trying to claim EI amounts here.
- Quebec residents who worked out of the province forgot to complete Schedule 10.
Double-check your T4 entries and forms to avoid these problems. The CRA may correct any obvious errors if you claimed significantly less EI than your income level would warrant.
Claiming EI Refunds on Line 45000
If you contributed more than the maximum EI premium amount for the year, you can claim a refund for the overpayment on Line 45000 of your return.
For 2024, the overpayment thresholds are:
- $1,049.12 for residents outside Quebec
- $834.24 for Quebec residents
EI overpayment refund requests must be made within 3 years of the end of the tax year in which the overpayment happened.
Special Considerations
If you had to repay some of the EI benefits you received during the year, do not claim that repayment on Line 31200. Repaid benefits can potentially be claimed as a deduction on Line 23200 instead.
Quebec residents who worked both in and outside the province must complete Schedule 10 first. The calculated amounts from Schedule 10 then get claimed on Line 31200.
Line 31200 is only for EI premiums paid through employment. Self-employed Canadian’s deductions get claimed elsewhere.
The bottom line
Claiming employment insurance premiums on Line 31200 of your T1 return requires reporting the proper T4 slip amounts, accounting for Quebec schedules if needed, and requesting any refunds on Line 45000.
Avoid common errors like missing slips or self-employment claims to ensure your EI deductions are accurate. Refer to your T4 boxes, maximize eligible amounts up to the thresholds, and double-check your figures each year.
FAQs
How do I claim my EI premiums on my taxes?
You claim your EI premiums on Line 31200 of your tax return. This line is for deducting total EI premiums paid for the tax year. Make sure you have your EI premium amounts listed on your T4 slip to enter on Line 31200.
What is Line 31200 on a tax return?
Line 31200 is where you enter the total EI premiums you paid for the tax year and claim them as a deduction. It allows you to reduce your taxable income by deducting EI premium amounts withheld from your paycheck.
Where do I find my EI premium amount on my T4?
Your EI premium amount will be listed in Box 18 and/or Box 55 on your T4 slip. Box 18 shows your total EI contributions. Box 55 may show additional voluntary EI contributions. Add up the amounts to report on Line 31200.
Why does claiming EI premiums matter?
Claiming your EI premiums on Line 31200 reduces your taxable income, resulting in a lower tax bill and potentially a bigger tax refund. It ensures you aren't double taxed on EI contributions.
When can I claim my EI premiums?
You can claim EI premium deductions annually when filing your tax return. Make sure to have your T4 which includes EI contribution amounts handy when preparing your taxes.
Do I need to attach any forms for Line 31200?
No additional forms are needed. Simply enter the total EI premium amounts listed on your T4 slip(s) for the tax year on Line 31200. Keep your T4s in case CRA wants to verify the amount claimed.
Can I claim EI premiums without a T4 slip?
No, you need a T4 slip issued by your employer documenting your EI premium deductions for the tax year to support Line 31200 claims. Self-employed individuals who voluntarily pay into EI should have a record from CRA detailing payments.
Why are my EI premiums higher some years?
If you had multiple T4 slips within a tax year, such as leaving one job for a higher paying role, your total EI premiums across jobs may be higher. Higher income levels also result in higher EI deductions.
