Short answer: When filing through CRA NETFILE, you do not physically sign your return.

How a return is “signed” with NETFILE

When you transmit your T1 return using NETFILE-certified software like StudioTax, the CRA treats your submission as electronically certified — no handwritten or digital signature is required or accepted.

What replaces your signature

By submitting through NETFILE, you are electronically certifying that:

• the information in your return is complete and accurate, and
• you are authorizing the CRA to process the return.

This certification happens automatically when you:

1. Agree to the NETFILE Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice  in the NETFILE wizard within the software:

2. Successfully transmit your return.

What you should do before transmitting

Here are a few things worth keeping after you file.

Recommended steps:

1. Keep your StudioTax return file and its backup — StudioTax saves your return as a .xxt file (e.g., .25t for a 2025 return, .24t for a 2024 return, and so on). A backup file is also created alongside it (e.g., .25t.backup, .24t.backup). Both files can be used to reopen your return in StudioTax at any time. Ideally, keep a copy of these files in a safe location such as an external drive or cloud storage. See Cannot Find My Return if you need help locating these files.

2. Transmit your return via NETFILE — the CRA confirmation number you receive is your proof of filing. You can always retrieve it from the Filing History menu (Tools → Show Filing History).

The CRA may request these records in the event of a review or audit.

Important reminders

• Do not mail a signed return after filing via NETFILE.
• Do not upload or attach a signed form.
• Keep your .xxt return file and its .xxt.backup — they let you reopen your return in StudioTax at any time.
• Your confirmation number = proof of filing.

One exception: paper filing

A physical signature is only required if you file by paper mail. Once you file through NETFILE, the electronic certification fully replaces the signature requirement.

Summary

When filing through NETFILE, submitting the return certifies it electronically. Keep your StudioTax return files for your records.