Assembling and transmitting Form 8878 for eSignature with a 1040 extension

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See also: eSignature overview

Complete the following steps to send a client's 1040 extension with the Form 8878 (IRS e-file Signature Authorization) to be electronically signed using the eSignature feature.  

Assemble the eSignature document via File > Print Extensions

  1. Enable the eSignature option.
  2. With the client open, choose File > Print Extensions.
  3. Mark Electronic delivery and click the eSignature (1040 only) option.

    Note: If you do not want to print the extension on paper, clear the Paper checkbox.

  4. Click the Assemble button.

Notes

  • You will incur a nominal, per-envelope fee for each successful completion of eSignatures. For pricing details, see the CS Professional Suite Price List PDF.
  • You can assemble eSignature documents for multiple clients at a time. To do so, click the Clients button in the Print Extensions dialog. Then, select the clients you want to assemble to the right pane. When you are finished, click OK.
  • The eSignature process requires a valid email address. During eSignature assembly, the application will notify you if a client does not have an email address entered in the Setup > Client Communications dialog > Email Address column.
  • If the return has a filing status of married filing joint, a unique email address is required for both the taxpayer and the spouse. To enter an email address for the spouse, choose Sp from the drop-down menu in the Email Address column and then enter the spouse's email address.

Transmit the eSignature documents via CS Connect

After the tax return assembles, you need to transmit it using CS Connect. Follow these steps to transmit the documents via CS Connect.

  1. Click the CS Connect CS Connect button in the toolbar.
  2. Click the Transmit organizers and eSignature documents switch to Yes.

    Note: If the switch is grayed out or can't be clicked, there aren't any eSignature packages to transmit. Try to assemble the eSignature package again.

  3. Click the Web Delivery tab.
  4. Select the client(s) you want to transmit to the right pane. Clients with pending eSignature documents will be noted with a green exclamation point.
  5. Click the Call Now button.

The taxpayer (and spouse, if applicable) will receive an email message with a secure link to a welcome screen where they can begin the eSignature process. Instructions for electronically signing documents are located in the Overview of the eSignature Process PDF.

Note: For e-file signature authorization forms, such as Form 8878, only the tax returns that pertain to that e-file signature authorization form will be listed as eSignature documents to review. If a state or local tax return does not require an e-file signature authorization, that jurisdiction's tax return will not be listed as an eSignature document to review. See the State Electronic Filing Guide for information on e-file signature authorization for states.

Track and retrieve signed eSignature documents

The UltraTax CS Home Page enables you to review the status of each eSignature document that you send to your clients. After the client signs a document, you can retrieve the signed document via CS Connect. For details, see Tracking and retrieving eSignature documents.

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