- Make sure DocuSign or HelloSign is connected (Settings → Integrations → E-Sign) - The client should be in your system with a valid email - For tax clients, the EL flow auto-triggers when you create the engagement — this article covers manual sends and 8879 collection

- For a new engagement: when you create the client, the EL generates from your firm's 6 default templates - To customize: open the EL preview → click Edit (you'll see an amber warning bar to remind you you're in edit mode) → make your changes - Click Apply Changes — an "Edited" badge appears so you remember it's customized - Add signers — usually the client; for MFJ tax returns, also add the spouse - Choose signing order — Sequential (first signer must finish before next is notified) or Parallel - Optional: enable KBA for high-value documents — 5 multiple-choice questions from public records - Click Send for E-Signature — each signer gets a unique one-time link via email - Track status in the Signing dashboard: In Progress / Partially Signed / Completed - Once signed, the certificate of completion auto-archives in the engagement folder

- 8879 does NOT require KBA per IRS Rev. Proc. 2021-47 — KBA is optional, your call - For MFJ 1040: 8879 needs 2 sets of fields (signature + date) for taxpayer and spouse - After EL is signed, the client portal auto-creates with welcome email — no extra setup - Documents are stored indefinitely after completion; tamper-evident seal applied

- Signing link expired: void the request and create a new one — links are time-bounded - KBA failing for legitimate client: their identity records (SSN-last-4, DOB, ZIP) genuinely don't match — switch to non-KBA signing - Decline received: check the reason; you can resolve and resend, void, or contact the client

- Add a new client (EL flow starts here) - Prepare a tax return with AI assistance (8879 comes after preparation)