The CCH^® eSign Interface

For 1040 Individual 2013 and higher returns, you can upload the return and request a digital signature for Form 8879. Beginning with tax year 2014, you can also request a digital signature for electronic filing authorization forms for each 1040 Individual state that recognizes eSign as an acceptable signature method. See States that Support eSign for a list of states that allow electronic signatures. Returns sent for eSign can be tracked and are billed through the Electronic Filing Status System.

This option is only available if your firm is licensed for eSign, eSign account information is configured in Firm Setup, and for the following conditions:

• The option to electronically sign on the Electronic Filing Options > 1040/Individual window in the return configuration set or the corresponding return option is selected.
• The return units are 2013 tax year or higher 1040 Individual federal and, if applicable, 1040 Individual qualifying states. If a return contains a state that does not permit eSign, that state must be exported separately for a paper signature.
• The return is not amended, IT-204LL (New York), an extension, or a filing of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).
• Create an electronic data file to be transmitted with third party software is not enabled on the General > Electronic Filing > Electronic Filing Options worksheet.
• Diagnostics are cleared for missing or invalid information. Show me the fields that are required for eSign.
  • Taxpayer name
  • Taxpayer email address
  • Taxpayer SSN
  • Spouse name (if filing jointly)
  • Spouse email address (if filing jointly, the spouse email address must be distinct from the taxpayer email address)
  • Spouse SSN (if filing jointly)
  • Taxpayer address
  • Firm name from the signature block, ERO, or return override information
  • ERO email address, signer's email address, or return override information

Refer to the following for information about eSign set up and activating the option to send for eSign during the export process:

• Setting up CCH® eSign Accounts and Users. Set up an eSign account and Tax signers as eSign users.
• Managing Return Configuration Set 1040/Individual Electronic Filing Options. Activate the Send for eSign option. You can also enable the eSign option when states that do not qualify for eSign exist in the return.
• For more detailed information, see CCH eSign Guides and References.