How to use Intuit Sign for ProConnect Tax in Tax Year 2025 (Pre-Release)

Beginning in Tax Year 2025, Intuit Sign will be replacing eSignature. Intuit Sign is a new digital signing feature built into ProConnect Tax that gives your clients a secure way to view and sign documents from any device. You’ll be able to request signatures and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) for all your tax clients with no additional charge, while staying inside your workflow.

Sending Intuit Sign requests

Before you start:

• Verify the tax return is set up for e-file by selecting the Profile tab.
• Make sure you've completed the return and resolved all critical diagnostics.

To send a request:

1. Go to the File Return tab.
2. Select Client Authorization eSignature in the left-side menu.
3. Select New eSignature request
4. The standard tax forms will be displayed. Check the box to include a copy of the tax return, if desired.
5. Select Start a request to continue to the Request eSignature screen.
6. Here you can delete or view any document you want to send to your client.
   • For instructions on adding documents, see the "Adding additional documents" section below.
7. In the Document section, you can review the auto-attached forms by selecting their thumbnails for a preview.
   
   • If you need to include more files, select Add documents.
   • Please note there is a 5-document limit per request; if more are required, we recommend sending the client multiple signature requests.
8. In the Recipient section, confirm the recipient's email address and name.
   • If you need to make edits to the name or the email address, select the Pencil icon to make your changes.
   • To avoid KBA identity check errors on business returns, make sure the recipient is an individual rather than the name of the entity.
     
9. Choose an authentication method depending on your client type.

Individual clients

For 1040 clients, the default authentication method is KBA (Knowledge-Based Authentication), requiring the recipient to answer a series of security questions. This method cannot be changed unless the client is a returning client. See here for more information on returning clients.

Business clients

Business clients also default to KBA authentication; however, you have the option to change this method if desired.

8. In the Message section, set up the email message that will be sent to your client.
   
   • Tip: To easily track client responses from your email notifications, we suggest including the [Client Name] keyword within the subject line.
9. Manage your email notifications in the Reminders and Expiration section. You can customize when clients receive follow-up emails and determine when the signature request will expire.
   
10. Select Next.
11. The next screen will display the documents that are included in the signature request. ProConnect Tax automatically adds signature fields to Federal 8897 and state signature forms that are auto-attached. You can preview these fields and do not need to manually add any more to these specific forms.
    • If you uploaded additional documents that need signatures, you can add the signature fields here.
    • To view all forms, select the icon on the left side.
      
    • For MFJ returns, this screen defaults to the primary taxpayer so you can add signature fields for the primary taxpayer.
    • To add signature fields for the spouse, select the recipients drop down menu to select the spouse and then add the required signature fields.
      
12. Select Next to proceed.
13. After selecting Next, a prompt will appear identifying any documents in the signature request that currently do not have signature fields. You may choose to continue without adding fields for documents that do not need them, such as the Client Copy of the return.
    
    • To move to the Final review screen, select Proceed.
14. Before sending your request, review your settings. If any changes are needed, select Back. After your settings are confirmed, select Send.

Tip: You can share this How to review and sign your documents using Intuit Sign article with clients who need help using Intuit Sign.

Authentication options (identity verification)

When you send a request, choose how recipients verify their identity:

• Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA): Recipients answer security questions.
• Access code: You provide a code separately that recipients must enter to view and sign.
• No authentication: Recipients can open and sign without extra verification.

Choose the option that best fits your firm's security needs and the document you're sending.

Adding additional documents

1. From the Documents screen, choose Upload Documents.
   
2. Select the document and select Open.
   • Reference documents don't require a signature.
3. On the next screen, you can add the Signature and Signing Date fields.
   

Viewing and downloading completed documents

Only the user(s) who sent the eSignature request and who have been included to receive eSignature notifications will be able to view the contents of the eSignature request

1. Go to the File Return tab.
2. Under the eSignature menu, select Client Authorization eSignature.
3. For a request with a Completed status, use the Actions column to select either View or Download and proceed.

Checking the status of an eSignature request

View the status of all eSignature requests in your Tax Returns hub.

1. Select Tax Returns on the left rail.
2. Select By eSignature status among the filters at the top of the screen.
3. Select on a status header at the top of the returns list to filter the returns.
4. Select the dropdown in the eSignature Status column to send your client a reminder, download completed documents, or view more details about an eSignature request.

Understanding the eSignature status:

Declined:

• This status means: Your client received the eSignature request and declined to sign.
• Next Steps: Your client can sign documents on paper, or you can send another request.

Authentication Failed:

• This status means: Your client failed the identity verification process required to sign the documents.
• Next Steps: Send a reminder to allow your client to try again, or void the request to have your client sign in person.

Expired:

• This status means: The request has expired.
• Next Steps: Send the eSignature request again.

Complete:

• This status means: All requested documents have been signed.
• Next Steps: Download the completed documents for your records.

In-Process:

• This status means: The request included other 'additional' forms, such as an engagement letter, but you didn't complete the process of inserting signature tags on those forms.
• Next Steps: Complete the process of inserting signature tags on the additional forms.

Partially Signed:

• This status means: Some but not all participants have completed the eSignature request.
• Next Steps: Wait for the taxpayer or spouse to complete the signature request or send a reminder.

Delivered:

• This status means: Your client has opened and viewed the eSignature request, but has not signed yet.
• Next Steps: Wait for the taxpayer to complete the signature request or send a reminder.

Sent:

• This status means: The request has been sent to your client.
• Next Steps: You can send a reminder to your client as well.

Voided:

• This status means: A preparer in your firm voided the eSignature request.
• Next Steps: Send the eSignature request again.

Not Started:

• This status means: No eSignature request has been sent to the client.
• Next Steps: Send an eSignature request.

Multiple:

• This status means: More than one eSignature request has been sent to your client
• Next Steps: Select the multiple status to view the status of all requests.

Feedback

We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know what you think.

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Intuit Sign pre-release?

ProConnect Tax firms that are using the current eSignature service and have opted to participate in the pre-release program.

Can a firm opt out of Intuit Sign at any time after enrolling?

Yes, firms can opt out of Intuit Sign at any time during the pre-release phase. To do so, please send your firm's name and an opt-out request to PTO-Feedback@intuit.com.

Please also share reason for opting out and additional comments or feedback to help improve this feature in your request to opt-out

If a firm opts out of Intuit Sign, what happens to signature requests that were already sent through Intuit Sign?

In-process signature requests: Signature requests that are still in process will still continue to be accessible upon opting out. Recipients will be able to complete the signature process for these requests.

Completed signature requests: Completed signature requests will remain accessible from the Dashboard, allowing you to view and download the documents even after opting out.

If a firm is eligible for Intuit Sign but chooses not to enroll, can they opt in later?

Firms that opt out of the Intuit Sign pre-release will be able to join the program again. To do so, please send your firms name and an an opt-in request to PTO-Feedback@intuit.com.

What is Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA)?

Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) is exclusively for US citizens and residents who possess valid social security numbers. KBA also requires signers to have public records from which questions and answers can be generated; without these, KBA cannot be utilized.

For 1040 clients, the default authentication method is Knowledge-Based Authentication and cannot be changed, unless the firm e-filed a return for the same client in the prior year via PTO and an accepted return exists in EFE (Intuit's Internal e-filing system). In that specific scenario, the preparer is given the option to choose among KBA, Access Code, or no authentication method.

For Business clients, the default authentication method is also KBA. However, unlike the 1040 client, the "returning client" logic does not exist and the authentication method can be changed.

Why do both the sender and the firm administrator receive email notifications when a recipient updates or completes a signature request?

Whenever a client provides an update on a signature request, the original sender is automatically notified via email. Additionally, under Intuit Sign, the individual who initially configured the Intuit Sign for the firm is designated as the secondary email address; this person also receives notification emails. If you need to change the secondary email address, contact ProConnect Tax support to have the email address updated. 

My client isn't receiving emails from Intuit Sign. What should I do?

Here are some steps you can take:

• Verify the email address: Go to the Dashboard and confirm the client's email address is correct in the "Email Address" column.
• Check the spam folder: The Intuit Sign email might have been directed to their spam or junk folder.
• Sender's email address: Intuit Sign emails will always originate from intuitsign@notification.intuit.com.

Why doesn't the spouse immediately receive the Intuit Sign request email for Married Filing Jointly?

For MFJ returns, the initial Intuit Sign request email is sent only to the primary taxpayer. The spouse will receive their signature request email only after the primary taxpayer has completed their own signature.

What document formats are supported?

Only PDF documents can be uploaded.

Is there a file size limitation for envelopes?

Yes, the total size of all PDFs within an envelope cannot exceed 25 MB.

Can my client download their signed documents after completing the signing process?

Yes, clients can download their signed documents immediately after signing. They will also receive a completion confirmation email containing a one-time download link. This link is valid for 7 days after signing.

Will my clients need to create an Intuit Account to sign documents with Intuit Sign?

Your clients do not need to create an Intuit Account or log in to any Intuit portal to sign documents.

When you send a document for signature through Intuit Sign, your client will receive an email with a link to the document. They simply need to verify their identity through a quick authentication step and then sign the document — no account creation, no login, and no registration required.