E-Signatures, explained: declining, editing & more

Covered here:

• E-signatures, Explained
• Decline to e-sign the document
• Edit your e-signature
• Add a handwritten signature
• Download certificates of completion

E-signatures, explained

Electronic signatures, recognized by law in many countries (including the US, Canada, and Europe) since the early 2000s, are as valid as traditional paper signatures. No need to visit your accountant's office or send documents via mail— sign any document directly on your client portal or by clicking a link in the email received. 

• Sign anytime, anywhere – No printing or scanning.
• Legally valid & secure – Complies with e-signature laws for peace of mind.
• All docs in one place – Securely stored in your portal for easy access.
• Saves time & money – Skip printing, shipping, or in-person meetings.
• Eco-friendly – Go paperless and reduce waste.

Declining to e-sign the document

Don’t want to sign? Click the  three dots at the document's top right and select Decline to sign, then confirm by clicking Opt-Out of Electronic Signature. Get in touch with the firm to discuss other options.

Editing your e-signature

Once you sign and initial a document, your e-signature and initials are used in subsequent docs when you click on the required fields.

If you want to edit your initials or signature, click in the required field, make your changes, then press Insert.

Toggle on Insert everywhere if you want to update the signature or initials everywhere on the doc.

Adding a handwritten signature

Not everyone accepts typed signatures, but you can always create a handwritten one:

1. Click the My signature or Initials field.

2. Switch to the Draw tab, then sign using your finger on your mouse pad or by using your mouse.

3. Click Insert.

If you want to redo the signature, click Clear while editing and sign again.

Downloading certificates of completion

If, for some reason, you need to prove that an e-signed document is legit, you can download it along with its completion certificate. To download an e-signed document with its completion certificate:

1. Open a fully signed document or select a fully signed document in the document list.

2. Click the three dots and select Download > Signed document with certificate.

The last page in the downloaded document will contain a certificate of completion. It contains all the data for all the signatures. Here is how it can look: