Identification
Government ID, legal name, and contact details for the client or authorized signer.
A complete Initial Client Pack reduces onboarding delays, lowers the risk of missing authority or tax data, and creates a reproducible record for compliance and auditing. Accurate packs support correct invoicing, background checks, and legal enforceability.
Different teams and roles interact with the Initial Client Pack depending on industry and organizational structure.
Clear role separation—who collects, who reviews, who signs—shortens turnaround and reduces rework.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Auto-fill | Enable Magic fields to extract repeated values automatically. |
| Conditional Fields | Show or hide fields based on prior answers to reduce clutter. |
| Signer Authentication | Use email plus optional SMS or KBA for higher assurance. |
| Integration | Map completed fields to CRM or ERP via native integrations. |
Ensure the chosen platform supports required security, file formats, and integrations before launching the pack.
Confirm platform meets compliance needs (HIPAA, ESIGN/UETA) and retention workflow before accepting signatures.
Government ID, legal name, and contact details for the client or authorized signer.
Clear description of services, deliverables, and any exclusions to avoid ambiguity.
Fees, billing schedule, late payment remedies and acceptance criteria for invoices.
Data processing clauses and consumer disclosures where required by law.
Required supporting documents such as W-9, certificates of insurance, or licenses.
Signature blocks, date fields, witness/notary instructions if applicable, and an audit trail.
W-9 for U.S. payees to collect TINs before payments are issued.
Proof of coverage where services require vendor insurance limits.
HIPAA release or FERPA consent where protected information is exchanged.
Scope of work or pricing schedule appended as an enforceable exhibit.
| Criteria | Paper | Electronic |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization | in-person only | remote or in-person |
| Delivery Time | days to weeks | hours to days |
| Audit Trail | limited | detailed and timestamped |
| Storage | physical files | encrypted archive |
| 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 vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
No set deadline; provide on payer request to avoid backup withholding
Issue to recipients by Jan 31
Recipient copy by Jan 31; IRS paper Feb 28, electronic Mar 31
Annual deadline April 15 (Form 4868 extension to Oct 15)
Retain 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later (8 CFR §274a.2)