A preparer can use a signature pad to capture their signature and that of the taxpayer electronically and use the signatures in all forms supporting electronic signatures. States and banks support different electronic signatures.
Which Signature Pad Should I Use?
The Taxx Savage ProWeb supports both the Topaz and Scriptel Signature Pads. A USB port is used to connect these pads to the computer. For $100 each, you can buy either of the pads below which are compatible with our program:
We have not tested other signature pad models and can not guarantee that they are compatible with our program.
In ProWeb, where should I go to Set up My Signature Pad?
Each pad has a different configuration requirement:
ScripTouch Sign has to be downloaded, installed and saved for you to use the Scriptel signature pad. You will also need the ScripTouch toolbox. No configuration is needed for the Scriptel signature pad.
You must have the SigWeb software to install the Topaz Signature pad. You must select the option “Use Topaz Signature Pad” for you to use the Topaz signature pad. To do this:
- On the Welcome page of the ProWeb, go to Configuration
- Select Office Setup
- Proceed to Office Configuration and check the “Use Topaz Signature Pad” option.
This will make you use the Topaz signature pad instead of the mouse for capturing signatures.
When can a Preparer Set Up their Signatures?
The Preparer Setup Menu captures the Preparer’s signatures. To get to the Preparer Setup Menu:
- From the Welcome Page, select Configuration
- Go to Preparer Setup
- Then select the preparer
- Click on the button labelled Electronically Sign. This button is at the bottom of the page.
Where Does the Taxpayer Sign With a Signature Pad in ProWeb?
It is on the Submission Page that you sign tax returns that are being e-filed.
On ProWeb, once you and the taxpayer enter their signatures, they will automatically be used on forms that require them, i.e.
- Form 8878
- Form 8879
- IRC 7216 Consent Form
- Bank Application (Santa Barbara Tax Products Group)
If a tax return is paper filed, the signature may look distorted or faint because of the small print area on paper. The IRS may regard a return as unsigned when the signature on paper is too faint. This will delay the processing of the return. You may opt to have the taxpayer sign the paper filed returns with ink or counter check the printed returns to ensure that the signatures will be accepted by the IRS.
NOTE: You cannot electronically sign a form whose electronic signature has been rejected by either the IRS, bank or state.