Assembling and transmitting eSignature documents with the tax return

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See also: eSignature overview

The following procedures explain how to send the engagement letter, consent forms, and/or Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization to your client to be electronically signed using the eSignatures feature. 

Assemble the eSignature documents via File > Print Returns

  1. Enable the eSignature option.
  2. With the return open, choose File > Print Returns.
  3. Mark the Client copy checkbox.
  4. Mark Electronic delivery and click the eSignature option.

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

  5. 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.
  • To include the engagement letter with the tax return, choose the application (for example, 1040 Individual) from the Setup menu, click the Federal tab, click the Other Return Options button, click the Client Documents tab, and mark the checkbox to print the engagement letter.
  • You can assemble eSignature documents for multiple clients at a time. To do so, click the Clients button in the Print Returns 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.
  • 1040 returns: 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 Connect 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.

To view the steps your client will take after you have assembled and transmitted the eSignature documents, see our eSignature demonstration video.

Note: For e-file signature authorization forms, such as Form 8879, 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, States that accept eSignatures, for more information. 

Track and retrieve signed eSignature documents

The UltraTax CS Home Page lets you 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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