Accounting request template

Tax return approval signing request template

A tax return approval is a taxpayer's sign-off confirming they have reviewed their prepared return and authorise it to be lodged.

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What is a tax return approval?

A tax return approval is the taxpayer's confirmation that they have reviewed the return prepared on their behalf and agree it can be lodged. It records that the client saw the income, deductions and final position before anything was submitted, which is an important checkpoint in the lodgement process for accountants and tax agents.

Documented approval matters because lodging a return is a significant step with real consequences. A clear signed record shows the client authorised lodgement and reviewed the figures, which supports both the practice's process and the client's own records. A signing tool captures that authorisation, but it does not check the return's accuracy or replace professional tax advice.

When to use a tax return approval

A tax agent needs client sign-off before lodging an individual return
A company or trust return is ready and needs authorised approval
You want a record the taxpayer reviewed figures before lodgement
Confirming a client accepts a refund or payable position

What to include in a tax return approval

Taxpayer and period: the client's name and the financial year the return covers
Return summary: key figures such as taxable income, tax payable or refund
Authorisation to lodge: clear wording that the client approves lodgement
Reliance on supplied information: a note the return is based on records the client provided
Date and signature: where and when the taxpayer confirms their approval

Pros and cons of sending a tax return approval as a signing request

Pros

Lodgement authorisation is captured cleanly with a clear timestamp
You can see when the client opened and reviewed before approving
Reminders nudge clients near deadlines without manual follow-up
A completion receipt evidences the client approved before you lodged

Cons and things to watch

Approval depends on the client genuinely reviewing the figures
Cosign does not check the return or confirm it is correct
Sign-off does not shift responsibility for incomplete client records
A signed approval is not a substitute for lodging on time

How to send a tax return approval with Cosign

Upload the prepared return and use preview to confirm the correct year and final figures before sending.
Add the taxpayer as the signer so they receive a private approval link.
Set a 14-day expiry and add a password to protect the income and tax detail.
Send the request, track when the client approves, and keep the receipt before lodging.

Tax return approval request details

Email subject

Tax return approval request

Default message

Please review and approve this tax return before lodgement.

Signer setup

Client or taxpayer

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Approve tax return

Best fit

Accounting teams

Tax return approval FAQs

Is electronic approval of a tax return valid in Australia?

In general, Australian law recognises electronic approval where the taxpayer consented and is reliably identified. This is general information only; confirm any specific lodgement requirements that apply to your situation.

Does the client need to sign before I lodge the return?

Good practice is to obtain the taxpayer's approval before lodgement. A signed approval records that they reviewed and authorised the return, supporting your process. This is not professional or legal advice.

Is the tax return kept private?

Yes. The return is sent through a private link to the named taxpayer and is not indexed by search engines. A password can be added so only the intended client can open it.

Can I send return approvals to two people, such as a couple?

Each return is for one taxpayer, but you can add multiple signers if the document requires it. Each person receives their own link and is tracked separately.

What if the client spots an error during review?

They can decline rather than approve. You correct the return and send a new request so the approved version always matches what is lodged.