Save time and go paperless by collecting signatures online through Drake Portals®.

Securely share files and manage virtual client engagements with ease through your personalized portal on SecureFilePro.com.

  • Secure and compliant – Digital signatures that meet IRS e-file requirements.
  • Flexible document handling – Watermarking and password protection options.
  • No printing, scanning, or mailing  – Tamper‑evident signatures bound to the return.

Try it via Drake Portals

Faster, Compliant Signatures for Tax Pros

  • Review, sign, and file digitally - No more print-and-scan hassle.

  • Client-friendly - Clients can sign on most modern devices.

  • Automatic filing - Completed PDFs save to Drake Documents1.

Built-In Security

  • Tamper evident - E-signatures are securely bound to each return.

  • Identity verified - Clients are required to complete Knowledge-Based Authentication up front.

  • Secured in Drake Portals - All documents have access controls and PDF protections.

Mobile-Ready & Portal-Powered

  • Send signature requests - Send through your branded client portal so customers can sign from phone, tablet, or desktop.

  • Be organized - Keep all client files, messages, and signatures in one place.

How It Works

  • 1. Request client to e-sign a document

    Send through your Drake Portals client portal.

  • 2. Client reviews & signs

    Client can sign on a mobile device or computer.

  • 3. You get status & copies

    Signed documents are returned to Drake Portals and stored with the client record.

Save on E-Sign Events2 with Bulk Discounts Save on E-Sign Events2 with Bulk Discounts

Each E-Sign event covers all E-Signatures within a single document.

Each E-Sign event covers all E-Signatures within a single document.

Basic E-Signatures

Standard document signing

Events Cost Per Event
0-99 $1.25
100-499 $1.00 SAVE 20%
500+ $0.50 SAVE 60%

KBA E-Signatures

Identity-verified signing

Events Cost Per Event
0-99 $2.50
100-499 $2.25 SAVE 10%
500+ $1.75 SAVE 30%

Minimum purchase: 5 E-Sign events

lightning bolt BUNDLE & SAVE

Save 40% with the

Practice Essentials Bundle

Everything you need to streamline communication, automate workflow, and secure client signatures - all integrated with Drake Tax.

Available for qualified Drake Tax® packages. Visit Drake Practice Essentials for more information.

1Saving to Drake Documents© is available to customers using a desktop version of Drake Tax.

2Requires active Drake Portals subscription to purchase.

Try Drake E-Sign Online with a free Drake Portals trial account today!

Free Trial Account

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drake E-Sign Online?

Drake E-Sign Online is a secure, IRS-compliant electronic signature solution built into Drake Portals. It allows tax professionals to send, collect, and store digital signatures for tax documents and client forms.

Do I need Drake Portals to use Drake E-Sign Online?

Yes. Drake E-Sign Online is available only through Drake Portals, which ensures all documents and signatures are encrypted and securely stored.

How does pricing work for Drake E-Sign Online?

Drake E-Sign Online uses a credit-based system through Drake Portals. You can purchase credits for both Basic and KBA E-Signature events directly in your online account, with bulk discounts available. A set number of e-signature events is also included with Practice Essentials and Practice Essentials Plus bundles.

What is the difference between Basic E-Signatures and KBA E-Signatures in Drake E-Sign Online?

Basic E-Signatures are used for standard documents that don't require identity verification—clients simply review and click to sign. KBA E-Signatures include Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA), requiring the signer to answer identity based questions and are required for IRS e-file authorization forms like Forms 8879 and 8878. If an e-signature event includes any form that requires identity verification, a KBA E-Signature event must be used.

Are Drake E-Sign Online digital signatures legally binding?

Yes. Drake E-Sign Online KBA E-Signatures meet federal e-signature standards (ESIGN Act, UETA) and are compliant with IRS e-file signature rules. Each signature includes a digital audit trail and encryption.

Can clients sign from their phone or tablet?

Yes. Clients can review and sign documents through Drake Portals on most internet-connected devices — including mobile phones, tablets, and computers.

Can I sign documents in person?

Yes. Drake E-Sign In Person captures the signature instantly and stores it securely. For in-office signing, simply connect a compatible Topaz or Scriptel signature pad. Drake E-Sign In Person is integrated into Drake Tax 1040 and Drake Tax Pro.

What types of documents can I e-sign?

Use Drake E-Sign Online for tax returns, engagement letters, consent forms, and other preparer-client documents. Signed PDFs are stored securely in Drake Portals.

Is Drake E-Sign Online secure?

Yes. Drake E-Sign Online uses encryption, tamper protection, and user authentication through Drake Portals, to help keep signatures private, verifiable, and audit-ready.

Do E-Signature Events expire if I don't use them?

Yes, the expiration of unused signature events depends on your method and timing of purchase.

Example 1: Unused e-signature events purchased as part of a Practice Essentials or Practice Essentials Plus bundle expire at the end of your 12-month subscription term.

Example 2: Unused e-signature events purchased a-la-carte and (i) on or before May 1 will expire on December 31 of the year of purchase and (ii) on or after May 1 will expire at the end of the following calendar year.