T4 Code 39 — Security options deduction (50%) — §110(1)(d)
Deduction equal to 50% of the Code 38 stock-option benefit for qualifying options — claimed on Line 24900.
At a glance — Code 39
- Box name
- Security options deduction (50%) — §110(1)(d)
- T1 line
- Line 24900 — Security options deduction
- Check against
- Usually equals ½ × Code 38, subject to the $250,000 annual cap after June 25, 2024.
What Code 39 means
Code 39 is the 50% security options deduction (Income Tax Act §110(1)(d)) that offsets half the Code 38 benefit. The combined effect is that qualifying stock-option benefits are taxed similarly to capital gains.
Qualifying options: public-company options at a strike price at least equal to FMV on grant, or CCPC options held at least 2 years before disposition.
After June 25, 2024, the 50% deduction is capped at $250,000 of annual stock-option benefit. Any excess moves to the 33⅓% deduction (Code 41).
Tax return implications
- Deducted at Line 24900 — reduces taxable employment income.
- Track your annual $250k cap across all employers if you have options from multiple issuers.
Related T4 boxes
Code 30 — Board and lodging
Taxable value of employer-provided meals and accommodation — already included in Box 14 via Box 40.
Code 31 — Special work site (board & lodging exempted)
Value of board and lodging at a qualifying special work site — reported for reference, not taxable.
Code 32 — Travel in a prescribed zone
Employer-paid travel benefits for workers in Northern or Intermediate prescribed zones — needed to claim the Northern Residents travel deduction.
Code 34 — Personal use of employer's automobile
Taxable benefit from a company vehicle — standby charge + operating benefit — already included in Box 14.
Filing your return? Use the payroll deductions calculator to verify the amounts on your T4 match expected CPP, EI and income tax withholdings, and the income tax calculator to estimate your refund or balance owing.
Sources
T4 box definitions from CRA T4 employer guide. Rates and thresholds current for 2025; file your 2025 T1 by April 30, 2026 (self-employed June 15).