Can the taxpayer or business representative sign the engagement letter using the signature pad?
Yes, you can set up your program to electronically sign engagement letters with the signature of the taxpayer and spouse on a 1040 return or a representative of a business or entity on an entity return (1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1041, 990, or 706). This option is enabled by going to Setup > Communications Editor. Select Setup > Page Layout. On the Page Layout window, select the option at the bottom left to Use E-sig on Engagement Letters (see 1 below).
You can adjust the signature position for each engagement letter template by selecting the package type in the drop down box (see 2 above). After selecting the package type, enter coordinates for the number of inches the signatures will be placed from the top margin and from the left margin. Signature 1 will adjust the taxpayer's signature location and Signature 2 will adjust where the spouse will sign the engagement letter. You can make adjustments to line up the e-signature location with the dotted lines on the engagement letter. Be sure to select Update after altering the signature position.
Continue to update other packages as needed, by selecting them from the Select Package drop list and entering the needed Top and Left information for each signature to be used. Once you have made all adjustments, click OK to save your changes.
You can electronically sign the engagement letter via the use of a signature pad (in the office) or by using e-Sign Online via Drake PortalsTM.
Be sure to add the form to the EF signature set if that is the set that you choose to upload via Drake Portals.
For more information about Engagement letters, see Engagement Letter eSign and Related Links below.
For information about signing return documents using the signature pad, see Related Links below.