Lacerte eSignature Resources

What is eSignature?
eSignature is an alternative to traditional manual signatures. Intuit eSignature provides you the time-saving ability to electronically request a signature for Individual Form 8879 from your clients. Your clients 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.

Which products have eSignature integrated?
All three of Intuit's professional tax products have eSignature integrated into the program workflow. Our Lacerte offering includes eSignature Plus Payments, which allows you to collect client payments during the eSignature process.

How does eSignature work?

eSignature is integrated in your tax software. When ready to file a return, select the eSignature option within Intuit ProConnect Tax Online, ProSeries or Lacerte to send the taxpayer a link to the encrypted documents requiring signature. Your clients can access DocuSign from any supported mobile or desktop device. After the taxpayer has successfully signed the documents, the documents are digitally stored, filed and accessible for future use by all signing parties.

A detailed audit trail of the form, including when it was sent, when it was opened and when it was signed is available and encrypted with the highest standard of global information security and operations (i.e., AES256 standard and 256-bit SSL document transmission).

Does eSignature cost extra?
Yes, eSignature will cost $2.99 per return signature request (a single signature request could include multiple forms) or buy a bundle of 50 for $124.50 ($2.49 per eSignature).

Do I have to use eSignature?
eSignature is not required but is available as an add-on.

Will my client be able to review their return prior to signing?
Yes, when you initiate the eSignature request a client copy of the return will be attached and sent to the customer.

Does eSignature provide verification to my client to ensure only they can review their information?
Yes, eSignature uses bank-level security and knowledge-based authentication to verify the identity of the taxpayer/signee.

Can eSignature be used for state documents?
Some states will support electronic signatures for e-file Signature Authorization Forms (8879 equivalent). See States that will and will not support eSignature.

Can eSignature be used for business?
Per the IRS Guidelines, electronic signatures are only accepted for the Individual Modules.

How does eSignature work for a Married Filing Jointly return?
The tax preparer enters an email address for both taxpayer and spouse. An e-mail is 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. The fee, though, is only for one (1) eSignature for the one (1) return.

If preparing a Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) return will both the taxpayer and spouse have to sign electronically if using eSignature?
Yes. eSignature is set up to require both the taxpayer and spouse names and email addresses for Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) returns.

Will unused purchased eSignatures roll over to the next tax year?
Unused eSignatures expire on the 30th of April every year.