E-File Authorization (Form 8879) Collection

Q: Can the automation verify that signatures are complete and legible?

The automation confirms that a signature field is filled; your accountant performs a final verification step to check legibility and completeness before filing.

Q: Will this work with our existing client database and email system?

Yes, the automation integrates with your accounting software, email platform, and digital signature service. No data migration is required.

Q: What happens to forms that are already in progress when we launch?

Existing unsigned forms can be manually enrolled into the automation, or your team can complete them manually. The automation applies to all new returns going forward.

Q: Does the automation create a compliance audit trail?

Yes, digital signature platforms maintain a complete record of when forms were sent, viewed, signed, and filed, which is stronger than email and spreadsheet tracking.

Sending, tracking, and storing signed 8879s before every e-filed return.

319 hrs

Manual time identified

Companies have mapped

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About This Automation

Collecting Form 8879 e-file authorizations from clients involves manual email coordination, signature tracking, and repeated follow-ups. Manual collection stretches timelines and creates compliance gaps.

Automation sends forms via digital signature, monitors completion in real time, and files signed documents automatically. Returns move to filing faster with a complete audit trail.

Key features:

Automatically fetch approved returns and client contact details from your accounting system

Generate and send Form 8879 via digital signature with one-click client delivery

Monitor signature status in real time and trigger reminders for unsigned forms

Verify completed forms and file signed documents to client records automatically

Update return status to ready-to-file once signatures are collected and verified

Data insights How it works Apps used What you get FAQ

Top friction points when done manually

The issues teams report most often with this process

#	Friction point	Companies Report This
1	Repeated follow-up emails Accountants spend 20 minutes per return chasing unsigned forms via email and phone calls.	80%
2	Manual form preparation Downloading, filling, and formatting Form 8879 for each client takes 12 minutes per return.	67%
3	Spreadsheet tracking errors Manual updates to signature status spreadsheet create gaps and duplicate entries.	53%
4	Signature verification delays Checking legibility and completeness of scanned or photographed signatures adds 5 minutes per return.	40%
5	Client contact lookup Searching for current email addresses and names across systems takes 5 minutes per return.	26%

Disclaimer

Automation readiness

How well-suited this process is for automation

Process Pain Score™

8.3/ 10

AI Fit Rating™

9.1/ 10

Automation Lift Index™

8.8/ 10

Hidden Overhead™

7.4/ 10

How The Automation Works

The full workflow, from trigger to completion.

1. Return Approved for E-Filetrigger

A tax return status changes to approved or the tax management system, triggering the workflow.

2. Fetch Client Details

The automation retrieves the client name, email, and return details.

3. Generate and Send Form 8879

The automation generates Form 8879 with client and return details, uploads it, and sends a signing request to the client via email.

4. Monitor Signature Status

The automation polls for signature completion and updates the tracking sheet with the current status.

5. Signature Received?

The automation checks if the form has been signed within the deadline.

6. Send Reminder to Client

If unsigned after 2 days, the automation sends a reminder email to the client.

7. File Signed Form

Once signed, the automation downloads the signed form and uploads it in the client record.

8. Notify Accountant

The automation sends a notification to the accountant confirming the form is signed, filed, and the return is ready to submit.

Most popular tool stack used

— the complete tool combinations companies use

58% of companies

28% of companies

13% of companies

Disclaimer

What you get when you map this process

Everything you need to understand, plan, and build your automation.

ROI and business case

What this process costs today and what changes once it's automated.

Launch schedule

What gets built, in what order, and what success looks like once it's live.

Process runbook

How the automation runs day to day, including exceptions and human decision points.

Developer handover pack

Full build spec, logic, and configuration — ready to hand off without a briefing call.

Integration and connections guide

Every tool connection, credential, and data mapping the build needs.

Test and QA plan

484 hrsIdentified

4Mapped

View

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before mapping this process.

What happens if a client doesn't sign the form within the reminder period?

The automation sends up to two reminder emails automatically, then flags the return for manual follow-up by your team. You retain full control over escalation.

Can the automation verify that signatures are complete and legible?

Will this work with our existing client database and email system?

What happens to forms that are already in progress when we launch?

Does the automation create a compliance audit trail?

View more FAQs

Process pain:8.3/10

Mapped by:11 Companies

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Page updated 10 August 2026