I hear this a few times per year from clients that know they will owe. I offer (but don’t require clients) to streamline the process for them by having my tax software initiate auto-debits from their bank account, either right away or as late as possible (Apr 15, usually) to avoid penalties.
Here’s the thing: I’m not allowed to initiate auto-debits to the IRS or state taxing authority on someone else’s bank account without signed consent from that person. So until the taxpayer completes the DocuSign, no returns can be filed and no money can move.
I just encountered another tax firm with this on their website (I won’t name them), “We will email you a PDF copy of your Federal and State returns AFTER we e-file them with the proper governmental agency. You must let us know if you would like to see your return PRIOR to our e-filing it…”
That is not legal. Signing your returns is you signing a CONTRACT. You should ALWAYS be able to read and review a contract before signing and before it is filed. If your tax preparer operates this way, please refuse this process flow or find another tax pro.