Yes, the 21st Century began 20 years ago, but today we welcome New York into the new millennium. The New York legislature passed (and Governor Cuomo signed into law) Senate Bill S8832 allowing taxpayers to electronically sign New York signature documents on tax returns. This should go live in the very near future (probably within two weeks).
New York was one of just three states (the others are the District of Columbia and Minnesota) that did not allow e-signatures. Federal e-signatures (and state e-signatures) require a taxpayer to complete “knowledge” questions (so the taxpayers can prove they are who they say they are).
During the peak of the pandemic, New York temporarily allowed e-signatures. It’s about to be permanent, and that’s a good thing for all.