All resident corporations in Canada need to file a corporate tax return, with a few exceptions. Crown corporations, Hutterite colonies and registered charities do not have to file a T2 Return.

All non-profit organizations, tax exempt corporations, inactive corporations, and all other resident corporations must file their T2 Income Tax Returns, regardless of whether there are any taxes payable.

Sometimes, non-resident corporations must file a return if they had a taxable capital gain, disposed of taxable Canadian property or carried on business in Canada.