When submitting an eSignature, often an error can be received that simply says the signature could not be submitted/processed at this time. Here are a few things to check for when receiving this error.
Print as Signature
At the bottom of the Main Information page and 8879 page there are boxes that say Print as Signature, make sure these boxes are checked.
ERO/Preparer E-Mail Conflict
It is common for the ERO (Electronic Return Originator, often defined at the bottom of form 8879) is the same person as the tax preparer (defined at the bottom of the Main Information sheet). If using the same e-mail and choosing to sign as both electronically this error can occur. Simply make sure that when selecting who will sign the return that you make the indication that either the ERO or Preparer Don't Sign Electronically.
Missing ERO Name Error
If you receive this error when you click on the eSignature button you may be confused on where to verify this information. Simply go to form 8879 and make sure that the ERO Signature line is filled out.
SSN Error
While this error is less common and seems to be a product of a rare glitch, it can still stop an eSignature from being requested and only offers a very general error.
To check for this, look to the SSN for the customer listed in the top-right corner of the Main Information page. In very few instances an issue can occur where a hyphen is dropped from the SSN and causes an error with printing and signature requests. Simply edit the SSN and re-add the hyphen to resolve this.
Print Set Errors
If all other issues have been checked and you are still receiving the error there is one more thing to look at. The eSignature function chooses your Default Print Sets when deciding what forms to send for eSignature. In some cases these defaults can be unselected and this causes the eSignature function to not know what forms to send, causing the error.
Fix this by signing in as Admin, then go to Administrator -> Settings in the top-right corner of your screen. From the Settings screen, click General Settings and click on the Print Sets option.
Here you will see some Print Sets marked with a filled box. These are your Defaults. If there are no Print Sets marked, this is causing the error. Simply mark the Print Sets you wish to be submitted with the eSignature and close the window.