The process begins when you get an email from DocuSign- it will likely be from “Robyn Calhoun via DocuSign.” If you file jointly with your spouse, you’ll each receive a separate email. If we don’t have separate email addresses for you, you’ll receive two at the same email address. Both spouses are required to sign all joint returns.
In the body of each email, you’ll find a button labeled “Review Documents.” This will lead you through the process of confirming your identity. It will have you enter your current address, the last four digits of your SSN and your date of birth. Then it will ask you a few questions based on information available in public records to verify that you are the person listed on the tax returns.
The questions that DocuSign uses to verify your identity can be tricky. They’re not always 100% up to date, and some people (especially young people) have very little information documented in public sources. If you have a problem with the verification and can’t get in, please call or email our office. Robyn can resend another DocuSign request or we can use another method. It’s not a perfect process.
Once you get through the verification, you’ll see a note from us, as well as a link to the DocuSign “Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure.” Click on the link to review the disclosure, then close it to return to the previous page and click the box that says “I agree to use electronic records and signatures.” Then click the “Continue” button.
Next you will see your tax returns. At this point, you should open the menu in the top left corner of the screen and choose “Download Combined PDF.” Once you’ve saved the returns, take the time to review them carefully. If your session times out, go back to the email and go through the verification process again. When you’re ready to sign, click the yellow square that says “Required – Sign here.”
This will take you to a page that shows your full name and your initials. You can choose “select style,” “draw,” or “upload.”
If you choose “select style,” your name and initials will appear in the preview box in a default font. If you’d like to choose a different font, click “Change Style,” and select the one you like.
If you choose “draw,” a box will open that allows you to sign with your finger or a stylus.
If you choose “upload,” then click the button that says “Upload Your Signature,” you’ll be able to upload an image of your signature (if you have one saved on that device).
Whichever you choose, read the statement at the bottom of the page, and then click the button labeled “Adopt and Sign.”
If you have additional returns (such as state returns) to sign, it’ll take you to the next yellow “Sign” box. When you click that box, it will apply the signature you set up for the first one.
When all signatures are complete, you’ll see a button at the top labeled “Finish.”
Once you click the “Finish” button, it will take you to a page where you can set up a DocuSign account so you have it for future use. It’s up to you whether you want to set up an account. If you do, it will save a copy of your returns in your account.
It also gives you a second chance to save a copy of your documents to your device. To do that, click the download symbol and choose “Combined PDF” which will be a PDF file you can save or print; or choose “Separate PDFs” which will be a zip file that you can extract and save.
The PDF that you receive from DocuSign is the digital copy that is included in the cost of tax preparation. You can also request a printed copy at the time of completion. Any additional copies requested will be provided for a fee of $50 (or $60 if you request a printed copy mailed to you).
In most cases, you will receive another email from Carrie Houchins-Witt Tax & Financial Services at the same time you receive the one from DocuSign. The subject will be “Action Needed: Payment Required.” It allows you to quickly and easily pay our fee online. Just click the button that says “Pay Now,” and you’ll be taken to Quickbooks. You’ll see the amount due and you can choose several ways to pay. Once you’ve entered the necessary information, just click “Pay $X.XX.” That’s it! Remember, this payment is for our fee – it’s not a way to pay any tax you owe to the IRS or any other taxing agency. If you prefer to pay by check, that’s fine, too. Just bring a check to the office or drop it in the mail to us.