Who it helps
Accountants and bookkeepers
Use case
Accountant document signing with Cosign
Accountants and bookkeepers can send tax returns, BAS, and financial statements for client approval as private requests — one link, clear status, and a record of approval before lodgement.
Accountant document signing: the problem Cosign solves
Accountants and bookkeepers regularly need a client to approve a document before it is lodged or actioned — a tax return, a BAS, financial statements, or an engagement letter. The approval is what authorises the next step and creates a record that the client signed off on the figures. During busy periods, getting that approval back quickly across a whole client base is a real bottleneck.
The usual approach — emailing a PDF and asking the client to print, sign, and scan, or just reply “approved” — is slow and leaves an inconsistent paper trail. Sending each document as a private signing request standardises it: the client opens a link addressed to them, approves, and the practice sees exactly where every request stands without manually chasing each one.
When Cosign fits for accountant document signing
- Client approvals before lodgement need repeated follow-up
- Approvals come back as inconsistent emails, scans, or no reply at all
- You need a clear record that the client approved the figures
- You send the same kinds of approval requests across many clients
How accountant document signing works with Cosign
- Upload the tax return, BAS, or statement and preview it to confirm it is the correct client and version.
- Add the client or authorised contact as the signer so they get a private link addressed to them.
- Set an expiry that fits your lodgement timeline and add a message noting approval is needed before lodging.
- Send, track opens and approvals across clients, send reminders where needed, and keep each completion receipt.
Why this works, and what to watch
Why Cosign fits
- Clients approve from a private link instead of printing, signing, and scanning
- The dashboard shows which approvals are outstanding without manual chasing
- Reminders and expiry keep approvals moving during peak periods
- A completion receipt records that the client approved before lodgement
What to watch
- An approval records sign-off on what was sent, not the accuracy of the figures
- Specific bodies may have their own authorisation requirements to check
- It does not lodge documents or integrate with practice software
- Cosign sends and tracks the document but does not prepare or review it
Accountant document signing at a glance
Common blocker
Client approvals require repeat follow-up.
Cosign outcome
Send one private request and see exactly where it stands.
What the sender sees
Opens, previews, downloads, signatures, declines, reminders, and completion state.
What the signer sees
A focused private page for one document request — no account needed.
Proof kept
Timestamped status, a completion receipt, and audit export.
Templates for accountant document signing
Tax return approval
Accounting · A tax return approval is a taxpayer's sign-off confirming they have reviewed their prepared return and authorise it to be lodged.
Accountant tax document approval
Accounting · A tax document approval is a client's sign-off confirming they have reviewed and accept a tax document their accountant has prepared.
BAS approval
Accounting · A BAS approval is a business owner's sign-off confirming they have reviewed their Business Activity Statement and authorise it for lodgement.
Financial statement approval
Accounting · A financial statement approval is a director, trustee or client's sign-off confirming they have reviewed and accept the prepared financial statements.
Accountant document signing FAQs
Can clients approve tax documents electronically in Australia?
Electronic approvals and signatures are generally recognised in Australia where the client consents and is reliably identified, and the ATO accepts electronic signatures for many documents. Specific requirements vary — this is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Do clients need an account to approve?
No. Each client opens their private link and approves from a focused page, with no sign-up or software to install.
How do I keep track of approvals across many clients?
The dashboard shows the status of each request — opened, approved, declined, or waiting — so you can see outstanding approvals at a glance and send reminders.
Is the client's document kept confidential?
Yes. Each document is sent through a private link, kept private, and not indexed by search engines. You can add password protection for sensitive files.
Does Cosign lodge the document or connect to my software?
No. Cosign handles sending, tracking, and recording approval. Lodgement and any practice-software workflow happen separately.
Other ways to use Cosign
Client approvals
Send a private approval request and track opens, downloads, signatures, and declines.
NDA signing
Send a focused NDA request with private links and a clear signing page.
Scope of work approval
Capture sign-off before delivery starts and keep an audit trail.
Cosign helps you send and track signed documents. The information on this page is general and is not legal, tax, or financial advice — check your obligations or speak to a professional for your situation.