LodgeiT uses a structured workflow to ensure forms are prepared, reviewed, and lodged correctly.

This guide explains how forms move through different stages ("New" to "Lodged") in LodgeiT and how to manage E-signatures for secure lodgment.


TABLE OF CONTENTS



FORM STATUS: NEW

"New" represents  a new form that had been added or  form that LodgeiT pulled from ATO.

Status will be changed to DRAFT if any changes in the form will happen. Opening the form does not change the status.


FORM STATUS: DRAFT

 

  • A form starts in Draft once created.
  • Information is entered but may still be incomplete or contain errors.
  • Forms in Draft are editable and can be saved for later updates.

To move to "Completed" stage, open your form and check if there's an error or any missing field by clicking "Validate". If the Form is good, click "Complete".


FORM STATUS: COMPLETED

 


  • Once all required fields are filled and validations are cleared, the form can be marked as Completed.

  • “Completed” means:

    • ✅ Data entry is finished.

    • ✅ Validation checks passed.

    • ✅ Ready for review or signature.

  • Note: Completed does not mean the form is already lodged with the ATO.

Note: Status "Completed" will make the form lock, if you need to make a changes, you need to unlock it.


FORM STATUS: OUT TO SIGN (Request E-signature)

There are two types of out to sign: (Click below to know more about)

Send E-Signature: electronically

Before lodgment, forms may require client or internal approval via e-signature.

  1. Ensure the form status is Completed.

  2. Select Send for E-Signature.

  3. Choose the signatory (client, director, trustee, etc.).

  4. LodgeiT will send an email with a secure signing link.

Other related guides:

Click here to learn more about on how to send email directly to agent's mailbox

Agent may also check the client's "Files" for signed copies"

Other related guide Receive a copy of all e-sign notifications.


Out to Sign: Manual approach


Manual ="Out to Sign" 

Press the button if you want to manually send the form to your client instead of using  Lodgeit e-sign feature, user posof using  Lodge it e-significant featurer e-signature app.

"Sign Status" as Manual, means user sent the tax return manually (through post office/email).


FORM STATUS: SIGN & LODGE

"Sign" (sign by the agent)

 If the client has signed the form, this also indicates the requirement for accountant/firm to Sign & Lodge.

You need to check status via Dashboard.



Note: Before the form can be lodge it must be signed (pressing the "Sign") by Tax Agent as well.


Related guide: Bulk or Multiple "Sign and Lodge" of Tax Return


FORM STATUS: TO LODGED 


To officially submit a form, return, or document to the ATO for processing.

Once the agent have pressed "Sign", form status will now be under "To Lodge".

It can be done single way or in bulk


FORM STATUS: LODGING and ERROR


Once a form is about to Lodge, the ATO reviews the information. If any issues are identified during the assessment, the form status may appear as ‘Lodging’ or ‘Error’.

"Lodging" means that form was not sent to ATO. It is pending on the LodgeiT side. In such cases, either user has not enough credits for lodgment or some interruption in ATO/LodgeiT services. Learn more here 

"Error" indicates that LodgeiT cannot connect to the ATO and check the lodgment. You can read the error reason on the form or the dashboard. Learn more here


FORM STATUS: LODGED

"lodged” means your tax return or form has been successfully submitted and received by the ATO. 

A confirmation receipt/acknowledgment from the ATO will be available in LodgeiT. Learn more here

Related guide: Bulk or Multiple "Sign and Lodge" of Tax Return


Tips

  • Always run validation checks before marking a form as Completed.

  • Set up Outgoing Mail Server in LodgeiT so clients reliably receive e-signature requests.

  • Confirm that signed copies are stored before proceeding with lodgment.

  • Use the Audit Trail in LodgeiT to verify the history of form creation, signing, and lodgment.


How to track/monitor a form?

1. Go to the Dashboard → Form section.

2. Check the form’s status:

  • “Out to Sign” → waiting for the client’s signature.

  • “Signed” → the client has completed signing.

3. An email reminder will be sent to the client if the form is still pending.

4. Hover over the e-signature status to see who signed the document.



ATO Status

The user can always check how tax form processing by ATO. LodgeiT gathering this information directly from ATO. Learn more here



Frequently asked question: 

Q: How to go back to previous form status? (i.e Completed Form to be Draft again)

A: Click the "Unlock" button, form will revert to "Draft". Learn more here