LodgeiT uses a clear step-by-step process to prepare, review, sign, and lodge your tax forms with the ATO. This guide explains each form status and what you need to do at each stage.

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


Form Statuses and What They Mean


FORM STATUS: NEW

  • A form marked New is newly added or pulled from the ATO.
  • Opening the form does not change its status.
  • The status changes to Draft if you make any changes.

FORM STATUS: DRAFT

  • Forms start as Draft when created.
  • You can enter or update information; forms in Draft can be saved and edited freely.
  • Before moving on, run the Validate check to find errors or missing fields.

FORM STATUS: COMPLETED

  • If all required fields are filled and no validation errors remain, mark the form Completed.

  • “Completed” means:

    • ✅ Data entry is finished.

    • ✅ Validation checks passed.

    • ✅ Form is ready for review or signing

  • Completed forms are locked to prevent accidental changes. To edit, you must Unlock the form to revert it to Draft.

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

  • With the form Completed, you can send it for electronic signature.
  • Choose the appropriate signer (client, director, trustee, etc.).
  • LodgeiT sends a secure email for signing.
  • Alternatively, you can send the form manually outside LodgeiT; this is marked as Manual.

View from the Dashboard:

Status inside the Tax Form:

FORM STATUS: SIGN & LODGE

After the client signs, the tax agent must also sign the form within LodgeiT. Only signed forms can be lodged with the ATO.

You can check status via Dashboard.

FORM STATUS: TO LODGED

Once signed by agent, form status changes to To Lodge. You can lodge forms one by one or in bulk. Refer to this guide - 

Bulk or Multiple "Sign and Lodge" of Tax Return

FORM STATUS: LODGING and ERROR

  • When sending to ATO, status is Lodging while waiting for confirmation.  Learn more here 
  •  If there's a problem (i.e.ATO connection or credit issues), status will show Error. Learn more here  
  • Review error details on the form or dashboard to fix.

FORM STATUS: LODGED

The form has been successfully submitted and accepted by the ATO. LodgeiT shows a confirmation receipt.

 Learn more here

Quick Tips

  • Always run validation checks before marking a form Completed.
  • Set up LodgeiT's Outgoing Mail Server  for reliable e-signature emails.
  • Confirm signed copies are saved before lodgment.
  • Use the Audit Trail feature to track form history.

Monitoring Your Form Status

  1. Check statuses easily in the Dashboard under the Form section.
  2. "Out to Sign" means waiting on client signature; "Signed" means signature complete.
  3. LodgeiT sends email reminders if signatures are pending.
  4. Hover over e-signature status to see signers.
  5. You can track how ATO processes forms directly through LodgeiT. 

Frequently asked question: 

Q: How to revert a Completed form back to Draft?

A: Click the Unlock button on the form to return it to Draft for editing. Learn more here

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"

Receive a copy of all e-sign notifications.