Has Your Tax Return Really Been Filed? Here's How to Know for Sure
Discover how tax returns are filed in Canada and why you may never receive a CRA confirmation email.
One of the most common questions taxpayers ask after their tax return has been submitted is:
“Can you confirm if my tax return has been filed? Did we receive any confirmation email or document?”
This is an excellent question, especially for first-time taxpayers or individuals who have previously filed their own returns using online software or if someone has filed their first Canadian Tax Return or even if one has changed their Tax Preparer.
The answer depends entirely on how the tax return was submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
In Canada, there are three primary methods of filing an income tax return:
EFILE
NETFILE
Paper Filing
Each method works differently.
Many taxpayers assume that CRA sends an email immediately confirming receipt of every tax return. In reality, that is not how the Canadian tax filing system works, particularly when a Professional Tax Preparer files the return using professional desktop software.
This article explains how each filing method works, what confirmation numbers mean, and what documents you should expect after your tax return has been submitted.
Three Ways to File a Canadian Tax Return
1. EFILE
EFILE is the electronic filing system used by authorized tax professionals.
Individuals cannot use EFILE themselves.
Professional tax preparers register annually with the CRA and receive authorization to electronically submit tax returns on behalf of clients.
Examples include:
Professional Tax Preparers
Accounting Firms
CPA Firms
Tax Clinics
Tax Consultants
When a professional files your return through EFILE, the information is transmitted securely from the professional tax software directly to the CRA.
The transmission normally takes only a few seconds.
If CRA accepts the return, the software immediately generates a unique confirmation number.
This confirmation number confirms that:
the CRA successfully received the tax return,
the electronic transmission was successful, and
the return entered the CRA processing system.
It does not mean:
the return has already been assessed,
the refund has been approved,
the refund has been deposited,
the CRA agrees with every amount reported.
It only confirms successful receipt.
2. NETFILE
NETFILE is intended for taxpayers who prepare and submit their own tax returns.
Instead of using an authorized EFILE provider, the taxpayer uses CRA-certified consumer software.
Examples include various personal tax software products certified by the CRA.
Once the return is completed, the taxpayer submits it directly through the NETFILE service.
The CRA validates the submission and provides a confirmation number if the return is accepted.
Although both EFILE and NETFILE are electronic filing methods, they are different systems.
FeatureEFILENETFILEUsed byProfessional Tax PreparersIndividual TaxpayersCRA Authorization RequiredYesNoProfessional SoftwareYesConsumer SoftwareConfirmation NumberYesYes
3. Paper Filing
Some taxpayers still submit printed tax returns by mail to the CRA.
Paper filing may be necessary when:
CRA requests a paper return (mostly in case of new-immigrants)
electronic filing is unavailable
special circumstances exist
certain elections or supporting forms must accompany the return
a taxpayer chooses not to file electronically
With paper filing:
the return is printed,
signed,
mailed to the CRA Tax Centre.
Unlike electronic filing, the CRA does not generate an immediate confirmation number.
Once mailed, there is no automatic acknowledgement from the CRA.
The taxpayer usually waits until:
the Notice of Assessment arrives at their declared address on T1-General,
the return appears in CRA My Account, or
CRA processes the return.
If the return is sent through regular mail, there is generally no mailing confirmation from the CRA.
However, if it is mailed using Canada Post Registered Mail, Xpresspost, or another tracked service, the mailing company provides delivery tracking that confirms the envelope was delivered—not that the return has been processed.
What Is a Tax Filing Confirmation Number?
A confirmation number is an electronic receipt.
It is generated automatically after CRA successfully accepts an electronically transmitted return.
Think of it like:
an online banking transaction number,
an airline booking confirmation,
a courier tracking number.
It proves the electronic transmission reached the CRA.
It does not guarantee:
assessment,
refund approval,
tax calculation accuracy.
It simply confirms receipt.
When Is the Confirmation Number Generated?
For EFILE and NETFILE:
Return is completed.
Validation checks are performed.
Return is transmitted.
CRA receives the data.
CRA accepts the transmission.
Confirmation number is immediately generated.
Professional software displays the confirmation number.
The entire process often takes less than one minute.
Does CRA Send a Separate Confirmation Email?
This is probably the biggest misconception among taxpayers.
No.
The CRA does not normally send a separate email simply confirming that an EFILE or NETFILE return has been received.
Instead, the confirmation is provided electronically through the filing system itself.
Professional software records the submission and displays the CRA confirmation number.
That confirmation number is the official acknowledgement that the return was accepted for processing.
What Documents Does a Professional Tax Preparer Usually Provide?
Every tax preparer may have slightly different procedures.
Common documents include:
T1 General Summary
Tax Return Summary
Tax Calculation Summary
Notice of Electronic Filing
EFILE Confirmation Number
Client Copy of Tax Return
Tax Organizer (if applicable)
Some firms also provide:
PDF copy of the filed return
Tax planning notes
Summary of refund or balance owing
CRA payment instructions
RRSP information
Installment reminders
The CRA itself generally does not send these documents immediately after filing.
What Happens After Filing?
Once CRA receives the return, it enters the processing system.
The CRA reviews:
income reported
deductions
tax credits
supporting slips already on file
prior year information
benefit calculations
Most electronically filed returns are processed within approximately two weeks, although processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the return and CRA workload.
Paper-filed returns generally take much longer then EFile and NetFile.
What Happens If CRA Needs More Information?
Sometimes CRA requests additional documents.
Examples include:
charitable donation receipts
medical expenses
tuition receipts
childcare receipts
employment expense documentation
rental expense records
Receiving such a request does not mean anything is wrong.
It simply means CRA needs supporting documentation before completing the assessment.
What Is a Notice of Assessment?
Many taxpayers confuse the filing confirmation number with the Notice of Assessment.
They are different.
The confirmation number means:
CRA received the return.
The Notice of Assessment means:
CRA has processed and assessed the return.
The Notice of Assessment shows:
taxable income
refund
balance owing
RRSP deduction limit
tax credits
carry-forward balances
assessment details
The Notice of Assessment is issued after CRA finishes processing the return.
How Can Taxpayers Verify Their Return Was Filed?
There are several ways.
Option 1
Ask your tax preparer.
Professional tax preparers maintain records of:
filing date
filing method
confirmation number
Option 2
Log into CRA My Account.
Once the return appears in CRA My Account, it confirms the CRA has received and is processing or has processed it.
Option 3
Wait for the Notice of Assessment at your address (or your CRA My Account).
The Notice of Assessment is the CRA’s official assessment document.
Why Professional Tax Software Does Not Generate CRA Emails
Professional desktop software communicates directly with CRA’s secure electronic filing systems.
The communication occurs between:
Professional Software ⇄ CRA Secure Servers
The software receives the acceptance response and displays the confirmation number.
The CRA does not separately email either the taxpayer or the tax preparer confirming that the return was received.
The confirmation is embedded within the secure filing process itself.
Why Some People Expect an Email
Many online services send confirmation emails immediately after submission.
Examples include:
online shopping
banking
airline bookings
insurance applications
passport renewals
Because of this, taxpayers often assume CRA follows the same process.
However, the CRA relies primarily on:
secure electronic acknowledgements,
CRA My Account,
Notices of Assessment,
official correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a confirmation number. Is my refund approved?
No.
It only confirms CRA accepted the electronic submission.
Can CRA reject a return after giving a confirmation number?
Yes.
Although uncommon, the CRA may later request corrections, additional information, or reassess the return after reviewing it.
Does every filing method generate a confirmation number?
No.
Only electronic filing methods such as EFILE and NETFILE generate an immediate electronic confirmation number.
Paper-filed returns do not.
Can I ask my tax preparer for proof of filing?
Yes.
Most professional tax preparers can provide:
the filing date,
the submission confirmation number (for EFILE),
a copy of the filed return, and
a tax summary.
Does Registered Mail count as CRA confirmation?
No.
It only confirms that Canada Post delivered the envelope.
It does not confirm that the CRA has processed or accepted the tax return.
How long should I keep my confirmation number?
It is good practice to keep your tax return, supporting documents, and any EFILE or NETFILE confirmation details for at least six years after the end of the relevant tax year, in line with CRA record-keeping requirements.
Finally
Understanding the difference between filing a tax return, receiving a confirmation number, and obtaining a Notice of Assessment helps eliminate much of the confusion surrounding the Canadian tax filing process.
When a Professional Tax Preparer submits your return electronically through the CRA’s EFILE system, the software receives an official electronic acknowledgement from the CRA in the form of a Submission Confirmation Number. This number serves as proof that the CRA successfully received your return for processing. It is not a refund approval, an assessment, or a separate email from the CRA—it is the official electronic receipt generated by the filing system.
For taxpayers who file using NETFILE, a similar confirmation number is issued directly to the individual after successful submission.
For paper-filed returns, there is no electronic confirmation number. Unless the return is sent using a tracked mailing service, there is generally no immediate proof of delivery beyond postal tracking. The first official confirmation from the CRA is usually the Notice of Assessment or the appearance of the return in CRA My Account once it has been processed.
If you are ever unsure whether your return has been filed successfully, your tax preparer can confirm the filing method used, provide the electronic submission confirmation number where applicable, and supply a copy of your filed return. Keeping these records together with your Notice of Assessment will ensure you have a complete record of your tax filing for future reference.