Form Header
Contains form name, tax year, and filing type so the recipient immediately knows which return or information return the copy relates to.
A clear Tax Office Copy reduces processing errors, supports audit responses, and documents taxpayer identity and filing details.
Contains form name, tax year, and filing type so the recipient immediately knows which return or information return the copy relates to.
Full legal name, TIN/SSN or EIN, and mailing address must be clear and match the filed return to avoid backup withholding or mismatch notices.
Include preparer name, firm, contact info, submission method (paper/e-file) and any payment reference numbers for reconciliation by the tax office.
Signer name, printed title, date, and authentication method (wet signature, e-signature method) with any notary or witness notation if required.
Supporting schedules, statements, or proof of payment attached and clearly labeled to mirror what was filed with the IRS or state agency.
Timestamp, IP address, and chain-of-custody notes for electronically signed copies to support authenticity and reproducibility if questioned.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | ESIGN-compliant eSignature with audit trail |
| Authentication | Email verification or SMS one-time passcode |
| Storage | AES-256 at rest, TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit |
| Notifications | Immediate email with signed PDF attachment |
Digital submission requires platform compatibility with tax portals, secure storage protocols, audit logging, and accessible signed-document exports for regulators.
| 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 (Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Provide upon payer request; no set federal deadline
Must be furnished to employees by January 31
Recipient and IRS copies due January 31
Paper filings to IRS due February 28
Electronic filings to IRS due March 31