Authorization Statement
A clear sentence stating the signer authorizes electronic deposit and outlines the payer’s ability to revoke or correct mistaken deposits; legal clarity reduces disputes.
A completed authorization speeds payment delivery, reduces lost checks, and documents consent to deposit funds into a specific account. It also creates a written record supporting tax reporting, prevents manual handling errors, and can reduce administrative costs and payment delays for payers and payees alike.
Typical filers include employees, independent contractors, taxpayers using preparers, and payroll or accounts payable teams requesting direct deposit details.
The same signed authorization serves as proof of consent for banking and tax records and should be retained according to recordkeeping rules.
A clear sentence stating the signer authorizes electronic deposit and outlines the payer’s ability to revoke or correct mistaken deposits; legal clarity reduces disputes.
Full legal name and taxpayer identification or employee ID that matches payroll and tax records to prevent mismatches and backup withholding triggers.
A nine-digit ABA routing transit number entered exactly as it appears on bank documents or a voided check to avoid misdirected deposits.
Complete account number with optional account confirmation step; truncated confirmation can reduce exposure while verifying accuracy.
Specify checking or savings and any special handling instructions; some payers require a checkbox for account type to route ACH correctly.
Handwritten or compliant electronic signature with a dated signature line to evidence intent, consent, and the effective date of authorization.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Routing number | Numeric mask | validation |
| Account number | Masked input | auto-verify |
| Signature field | Required | capture timestamp |
| Proof attachment | Upload voided check | required |
Choose a platform that supports secure PDF/Word uploads, audit trails, and conditional fields to reduce errors.
No fixed deadline; provide upon request
Employee copy due Jan 31
Recipient and IRS due Jan 31
Paper to IRS due Feb 28
Electronic to IRS due Mar 31
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |