Using eSignature in ProConnect Tax

eSignature is conveniently integrated within ProConnect Tax. For common eSignature questions, click here.

Table of contents:

eSignature free-trial offers

1. Select Settings (the gear icon) in the lower-left corner of your screen.
2. In the pop-up window, under Tools, select Client Authorization eSignatures.
3. Click Start Trial. Since the trial is available to new eSignature customers only, this button may not be present for all users.
4. If prompted, enter your login credentials.

Offer of 5 free eSignatures available through Dec. 31, 2021, for Lacerte, ProSeries, and ProConnect customers who haven't purchased eSignatures for tax year 2020 (or after) as of January 13, 2021. Terms, conditions, pricing, features, service, and support options are subject to change without notice.

Purchasing eSignatures

1. Select Setting in the lower-left corner of your screen.
2. In the pop-up window, under Tools, select Client Authorization eSignatures.
3. Click the Buy now button.
4. On the Purchase screen, click Add eSignatures for the desired tax year.
   • You should see your current eSignature balance just above this button.
5. On the next screen, use the entry field for how many eSignature credits you'd like to purchase, using the pricing chart just below it as a guide.
6. Once done, click Continue to billing.
7. Enter your billing information and submit your order.
8. Once your order is successfully processed, your purchase will be confirmed and your eSignature balance will be updated. If this isn't the case, try logging out of your account, then log back in and check your balance.

Calendar Year 2023: Choose this option to purchase envelopes for your 2022 Tax Product. These eSignature envelopes will be available until 12/31/2023.
PTO Tax 2023: Choose this option to purchase envelopes for your 2023 Tax Product. These eSignature envelopes will be available in the 2023 Tax Product starting November 2023.
Envelopes for Bundle orders will expire 12/31/2026.
Envelopes for Unlimited orders will expire 12/31/2024.

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Creating email templates for eSignature requests

Create and save multiple email templates to send with client eSignature requests. Or, send specific email messages to subsets of clients, then save them as templates for later use.

To create a custom eSignature email template:

1. Select a tax return and click Client Information in the left-hand menu.
2. Click the Return actions dropdown menu in the upper-right of the input screen and select eSignature.
3. Select Client Authorization eSignature in the left-side menu.
4. Click on Start a request to continue to the Request eSignature screen.
5. Here you can delete or view any document you want to send to your client. Click Next to continue to the Recipients screen.
6. In the Email message bar, click the gear icon.
7. In the Email templates pop-up window, you can add new email templates, edit, or delete existing templates.

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Sending eSignature requests

1. Go to the File Return tab.
2. Select Client Authorization eSignature in the left-side menu.
3. The standard tax forms will be displayed. Check the box to include a copy of the tax return, if desired.
4. Click on Start a request to continue to the Request eSignature screen.
5. Here you can delete or view any document you want to send to your client.
   • For instructions on adding documents, see the "Sending a request with additional documents" section below.
6. When you're satisfied with the list of documents, click Next to continue to the Recipients screen.
7. Review your client's name and email address for accuracy, and edit the email message they'll receive, if needed.
8. Click Next to continue to the reminders and expiration options.
9. Check the box next to any reminders you want to send, and press Next to review your request.
10. Once you're satisfied with the request details, click Send.

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Sending a request with additional documents

Before you start:

• Verify the tax return is set up for e-file by clicking on the Profile tab.
• Make sure you've completed the return and resolved all critical diagnostics.
• Starting in tax year 2020, the IRS permits electronic signatures on Forms 2848 and 8824.

To send the request:

1. Go to the File Return tab.
2. Select Client Authorization eSignature in the left-side menu.
3. The standard tax forms will be displayed. Check the box to include a copy of the tax return, if desired.
4. Click on Start a request to continue to the Request eSignature screen.
5. Here you can add, delete, or view any document you want to send to your client.
6. To add a document, choose the document type from the drop-down menu, then click Browse to select a PDF from your computer.
   • The dropdown option Reference document doesn't require a client signature.
7. When you're satisfied with the list of documents, click Next to continue to the Recipients screen.
8. Review your client's name and email address for accuracy, and edit the email message they'll receive, if necessary.
9. Click Next to continue to the reminders and expiration options.
10. Check the box next to any reminders you want to send, and press Next to review your request.
11. Once you're satisfied with the request details, click Continue to DocuSign so you can insert signature tags on the 'other' documents as needed. A new tab will open displaying the documents to be sent.
12. The documents will be listed on the right-hand side of the page. Select the 'other' document you manually attached.
13. Drag and drop the Signature tag(s) located on the left side of your screen to the signature location(s).
14. Click the Send button to send the request to your client.

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Checking the status of an eSignature request

View the status of all eSignature requests in your Tax Returns hub.

1. Click Tax Returns on the left side menu.
2. Select the By eSignature status option at the top of the screen.
3. Click on a status header at the top of the returns list to filter the returns.
4. Click on ESIGNATURE STATUS to send your client a reminder, download completed documents, or view more details about an eSignature request. 

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To view and download completed eSignature documents

1. From within the client's return, go to the File Return tab.
2. Under the eSignature menu, select Client Authorization eSignature.
3. For a request with a Completed status, use the Actions column to select either View or Download and proceed.

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Canceling an eSignature request

1. From within the client's return, go to the File Return tab.
2. Under the eSignature menu, select Client Authorization eSignature.
3. For that request that shows a Sent status, use the Actions column to select Void and proceed.

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Related topics

• Using eSignature with business returns
• Signature requirements when e-filing state tax returns
• Authentication methods for eSignature