Using e-signature

What e-signature is used for

The most common uses in accounting practices:

• Engagement letters — Establish the terms of your service before beginning work
• CRA T1013 authorization — Authorize you to represent the client with the Canada Revenue Agency
• IRS Form 8821/2848 — US equivalent authorization
• Data processing consent — PIPEDA/GDPR compliance for client data

Important — what it is (and isn't): idutax e-signature is an electronic signature — a typed name plus an audit trail (name, timestamp, IP) recorded on a certificate page — valid for engagement letters, authorizations, and consents under the US ESIGN Act and Canada's Electronic Commerce Act. It is not a knowledge-based-authenticated (KBA) or cryptographically-sealed signature. Do not use it for IRS Form 8879 (e-file authorization): the IRS requires 8879 to be signed with identity verification (KBA) for remote signing.

Sending a signature request

1. Go to the Client Detail page for the relevant client

2. Click Request e-signature

3. Choose a document type:

- Engagement Letter (pre-built template)

- CRA Authorization (T1013 summary)

- Data Processing Consent

- Custom (write your own terms — the terms are required and become the signed document body)

4. Enter a document title, then add an optional note (for a custom document, enter the full terms the client will sign)

5. Click Send for signature

The client receives an email with a link to review and sign the document.

The signing experience

When a client opens the signing link:

1. They read the document content

2. They type their full legal name

3. A preview shows how their name will appear as a signature

4. They check "I have read and agree"

5. They click Sign

After signing:

• A PDF is generated with the document content and a signature certificate page
• The certificate includes: signer's name, date and time, IP address, and legal references
• Both the client and your firm receive the signed PDF by email

Legal validity

Electronic signatures are legally valid in Canada (Electronic Commerce Act, PIPEDA) and the United States (ESIGN Act, UETA) for standard business documents including engagement letters, authorization forms, and consent agreements.

The signature certificate page in the signed PDF documents:

• The signer's full name
• The timestamp (date and time)
• The IP address from which the document was signed
• Reference to the applicable legislation

Limitations

E-signature via idutax is appropriate for standard accounting documents. It is not appropriate for:

• Wills or testamentary documents
• Certain real estate transactions
• Court filings or legally notarized documents

If in doubt, consult a lawyer about the specific document you need signed.