Electronic Signatures
To make it easier for taxpayers and mandataries to meet their tax obligations, some forms can be signed electronically.
Accepted signatures
The following types of electronic signatures are accepted:
- a digital signature with a digital certificate produced using a specialized tool
- a signature made using an input tool such as a stylus, touchscreen or mouse
- a scanned hand-written signature (an image of a signature)
- a signature (in block letters) typed on a computer, tablet or smartphone keyboard and sent through a secure channel or by secure email (if the signed form is not sent in one of these ways, we can accept a typed signature if the signature appears on a form on which only some fields can be modified and the form is emailed to us)
If the form is sent by someone other than you (e.g. a third party or mandatary who has a power of attorney from you to act on your behalf), a typed signature will only be accepted if a certificate of authenticity is provided with the form. Your representative will use specialized software to email you the form for signature. You click a link to access the form, sign it electronically and then return it to your representative. The certificate is automatically generated once the form is signed and includes information such as the signature date, time and details.
Forms that can be signed electronically
To find out whether a form can be signed electronically, click its number in the list of forms and look for the following note:
If you send us a form that was signed electronically, you must take all the necessary steps to protect its integrity throughout its life cycle. We reserve the right to ask for the duly signed original form.