Parties
Identify the legal employer entity and the employee by full legal name, specifying business address and employee mailing address to create a clear contracting relationship.
A written agreement reduces disputes, documents legal obligations, and supports compliance with payroll, tax, and benefits rules. Properly executed electronic versions are enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retention requirements are met.
Ensure the signatory listed has authority to bind the employer and that the employee receives a final copy for their records.
Identify the legal employer entity and the employee by full legal name, specifying business address and employee mailing address to create a clear contracting relationship.
State job title, essential duties, reporting line, full-time/part-time status, and any conditional licensure or background-check contingencies tied to employment.
Specify base salary or hourly rate, pay frequency, bonus eligibility, commission structure if any, and whether compensation is subject to taxes and withholdings.
Declare employment at-will or fixed term, notice requirements, severance and cause definitions, and post-termination obligations such as return of property.
Include nondisclosure, invention assignment, and any restrictive covenants (non-compete/non-solicit) with geographical and temporal limits aligned to state law.
Provide dated signature blocks for employee and authorized employer representative and space for witness or notary if jurisdiction or employer policy requires authentication.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Template Name | Standard naming convention for version control |
| Signer Order | Sequence employer approvals before employee signing |
| Field Validation | Require formats for dates, SSN fragments, and numeric pay fields |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS code; escalate to KBA for higher risk |
Ensure the chosen platform encrypts data in transit and at rest and can produce an audit trail that meets ESIGN/UETA evidentiary needs.
Provide final agreement to employee prior to or on start date
Complete Section 1 by hire date; employer completes Section 2 within 3 business days (8 CFR §274a.2)
Collect W-4 and state withholding forms on or before first payroll
Most plans require enrollment within 30 days of eligibility
Ensure bank/direct deposit and tax setup before first pay period
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | No cap | No cap | No cap |