TaxSlayer Pro's Premium Package allows users who own a signature pad to capture the preparer's and taxpayer's signatures electronically and apply them to all the forms that support an electronic signature. The forms that support an electronic signature vary with each state and with each bank.
Topaz Systems and Scriptel signature pads are supported in the TaxSlayer Pro Program. The pads are connected to the computer through a USB port. We have tested two signature pads for compatibility, and if you shop around should be able to purchase either new for about $100:
There are many other signature pad models, but they haven't been tested for compatibility and so aren't guaranteed to work with the program.
To capture the preparer's signature, from the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:
- Configuration
- Firm/ERO/Preparer Setup
- Preparer(s) Menu - Select a preparer from the list.
- Preparer Signature - This menu option only appears when the signature pad is connected to the computer.
- In the signature box, the preparer should sign their name using the signature pad, and select Save.
The preparer's signature will now appear on all supported forms.
The taxpayer(s) signatures can be captured to print on the following forms:
- Form 8878
- Form 8879
- IRC 7216 Consent Form
- Bank Application (Santa Barbara Tax Products Group)
Instructions for capturing the taxpayer(s) signature on specific forms:
Form 8878 - IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Form 4868 or Form 2350
From the Electronic Extension Edit Menu select:
- Send Extension Electronically? - Change this option to 'YES'
- Form 4868 Electronic Payment - Fill in all required information.
- Taxpayer's Signature - Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad, then click Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
IRC 7216 Consent Form
From the Main Menu of the tax return (Form 1040) select:
- Mark Return Electronic - You will be prompted to Select the E-File Type.
- If queried, enter the taxpayer's cell phone number for bank notifications (optional).
- Bank Consent to Disclosure of Tax Return Information Menu - select Taxpayer's Signature.
- Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad, then click Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
Form 8879 - IRS e-file Signature Authorization
From the Main Menu of the tax return (Form 1040) select:
- Mark Return Electronic you will be prompted to Select the E-File Type.
- Enter Cell Phone Number for Bank Notifications (optional)
- When the Bank Consent to Disclosure of Tax Return Information Menu is displayed, select Taxpayer's Signature
- Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad, then click Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
- Exit
- In the Practitioner PIN Menu, select Taxpayer's Signature
- Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad, then click Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
If the return has already been marked electronic:
From the Main Menu of the tax return (Form 1040) select:
- Mark Return Electronic
- Signature Authorization
- In the Practitioner PIN Menu, select Taxpayer's Signature
- Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad, then click Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
Bank Application
The screen descriptions and navigation may vary depending on the bank partner you are using. Be sure you completed the steps above for the IRC 7216 Consent Form and Form 8879.
From the Main Menu of the tax return (Form 1040) select:
- Exit
- In the Receipt Menu select Bank Application
- Sign the Application
- Select Taxpayer's Signature
- Have the taxpayer sign their name using the signature pad and select Save.
- If the return is being filed MFJ, also have the spouse sign their name.
Business Returns
Currently the business Forms 8879-C, 8879-EO, 8879-F, 8879-PE, and 8879-S are not supported for electronic signatures.
Note: If an electronic signature is not accepted on a particular form by either the state, the bank, or the IRS, there will not be an option to add an electronic signature on that form.
Additional Information: