The CRA Allows Temporary Use of Electronic Signatures on GST/HST Documents

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recently updated it’s “FAQ – Deferral of GST/HST Tax Remittances: CRA and COVID-19” web page, to communicate that, effective July 6, 2020, businesses will be able to use a new electronic service to submit GST/HST documents with electronic signatures appended. This new temporary service will be available during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be accessed via a link on the My Business Account (MyBA) main web page of the GST/HST program account menu.

The service is available for GST/HST forms where no existing online filing option already exists. Where the signature on a form submitted through MyBA is not the signature of the person submitting the form, the submitter will be required to obtain a valid signature from the person signing the form.

For businesses that wish to switch from paper to electronic submission of returns, elections, and forms, further information is available on the CRA’s E-services portal.