ASCII format and record layout for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM

To file your retirement savings plan (RSP) and retirement income fund (RIF) registration listings on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, we need you to prepare a test of the media type and record layout before you file the rest of your listings. This test can contain either real or mock data. We will test our ability to load the media type and record layout using a relational database with structured query language (SQL), and then send you a certification letter authorizing you to file your listings.

We have established a standard record layout that must be followed (see below).

ASCII format and record layout guidelines

• Record format must be an ASCII Text File (.txt extension) with semicolon (;), delimited fields and a carriage return to delimit each record.
• Optional fields can be left empty. A semicolon must be inserted to indicate the end of the field.
• Text fields may contain alpha, or combinations of alpha and numerical characters. No other characters should be inserted.
• The standard record layout complies with the following specifications.

• For foreign addresses, insert the city information in the City field, indicate "ZZ" in the Province field and leave the Postal Code field empty.
• The specimen plan or fund number format should be either RSP 0000-000 or RIF 0000. Any number with added addenda identifications, such as L1, should not be included in the specimen plan or fund number.
• You must label the media type with the name of the financial institution and the specimen plan or fund number(s). The file names in the media type must allow us to identify the content easily so we can locate information that needs to be corrected or changed.
• We still require a paper copy of Form T550, Application for Registration of RSP's, ESP's or RIF's Under Section 146, 146.1 and 146.3 of the Income Tax Act. This fillable form can be found at www.cra.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t550/README.html

Date modified:

2013-01-29