eSignature has been reimagined to be fully integrated in your workflow - saving you time and helping your office become paperless.
Changes include:
- Dashboard for automatic status tracking.
- All forms will be available for clients to sign: individual forms, business forms, engagement letters, invoices, NDAs, and bank documents.
- More authentication options to send documents securely.
- Collect digital or electronic signatures in-person or remotely to help your firm go paperless.
What is Intuit eSignature?
Intuit eSignature is an alternative to traditional manual signatures. eSignature will provide you the time-saving ability to electronically request a signature from your clients. Your clients will have the ability to view, electronically sign and return those documents to you from any location without the need to visit your office.
Intuit has partnered with DocuSign, the most widely used electronic signature solution, to bring you Intuit eSignature.
Is eSignature available for all return types?
Intuit eSignature is available for most return types. Lacerte now supports eSignature for individual, partnership, corporate, and S-corporate returns. ProSeries and ProConnect Tax support eSignature for all individual and business returns. In addition to forms, engagement letters, invoices, NDAs, and bank documents are now signable.
How does eSignature work?
Intuit eSignature is integrated in your tax software. When ready to file a return, you can select the eSignature option within Lacerte, ProSeries, or ProConnect Tax to send the client a link to the encrypted documents requiring a signature. Your clients can access DocuSign from any supported mobile or desktop device. After the client has successfully signed the documents, the documents are digitally stored, filed, and accessible for future use by all signing parties.
Does eSignature cost extra?
Yes, Intuit eSignature will cost per return signature request (a single signature request could include multiple forms). The cost per unit is dependent on the number of units purchased.
How secure is Intuit eSignature?
eSignature maintains a detailed audit trail of the form, including when it was sent, when it was opened, and when it's been signed. Intuit eSignature is encrypted with the highest standard of global information security and operations (AES-256 standard and 256-bit SSL document transmission). The client is verified with Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA) for 8879 and 8878 signatures. For other signatures, you'll have the option to use KBA or an alternative
authentication method.
How will eSignature work for a Married Filing Joint (MFJ) individual return?
You will be required to enter an email address for both taxpayer and spouse. An e-mail will be sent to both parties to sign Form 8879 with DocuSign. Once all parties have signed Form 8879, the eSignature status in the program will change to Completed. You will only be charged for one eSignature request.
When will eSignature credits expire?
The units purchased will need to be used by 12/31. Any unused units will be lost. Your eSignature purchase is not refundable or transferable and may not be carried to another tax year. Therefore, do not purchase more than you need to use for this tax season.
Does the IRS allow eSignatures?
In March 2014, the IRS issued signature guidance for Form 8879 (see Publication 1345 (page 8)). In response, we partnered with DocuSign, the most widely used electronic signature solution, to bring you Intuit eSignature. Our eSignature solution is IRS-approved and will integrate seamlessly into your tax product to provide you an easier, time-saving way to quickly get Form 8879 and Form 8878 signatures back from your clients.
For more information from the IRS. see new eSignature guidance for IRS e-file.
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