SafeSend Tax Returns

In our neverending quest to provide the best possible service to our clients, L.K. Benson & Company is using SafeSend Returns™ technology this year to simplify the tax return process. With SafeSend Returns, you can handle the delivery, review and signature of your federal and state individual income tax returns from the convenience of your computer, smartphone or tablet.

The process for reviewing and signing your tax return is simple using SafeSend Returns. Just click the link in the initial e-mail from noreply@safesendreturns.com, verify your identity by entering the last 4 digits of your social security number, enter an access code and follow the step-by-step instructions to review and sign your returns.

Questions?
No problem. Find answers to frequently asked questions below and get even more detail by watching S afeSendReturns’ in-depth video walkthrough.

Will I receive a notification when my return is ready to sign?
Yes. Email notifications will come from noreply@safesendreturns.com but we will send you an e-mail first to let you know the return is on its way. We recommend adding this email address to your safe list to prevent the email from getting filtered to spam/junk.

Is it safe to enter part of my Social Security Number?
Yes. SafeSend Returns offers a secure system to view and sign your e-file authorization form(s). Look for HTTPS://at the beginning of the site URL and a locked padlock symbol in your browser’s URL bar to confirm you are on the secure site.

What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?
Check your spam/junk email folder. You can also search your email for noreply@safesendreturns.com. Some email clients hide items they’ve labeled spam or junk, making certain emails difficult to find. If you do not receive your code within the 10-minute time limit, please request another code.

Where do the identity verification questions come from? What if I don’t remember the answers?
The questions SafeSend Returns asks are knowledge-based questions pulled from government and credit sources. You may be asked questions such as where you lived in a given year, or when you bought your car or home. In the event the questions do not apply to you, simply choose the answer that accurately reflects this. If you don’t remember the answers to the questions, or you answer incorrectly, you won't be able to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s). You can instead print, sign and return your e-file authorization form(s) to L.K. Benson & Company by mail, fax or scan.

Will this work on any internet-connected device? Does SafeSend Returns offer an app for my smartphone?
There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available, but the signature process can be completed on any computer, smartphone or tablet via a web browser.

Will I have the option to download and print my return to retain for my records?
Yes. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you may not be able to download and print your return, but you will be able to review and electronically sign it. Don’t worry — you can always download and print your return from your personal computer at a later date.

How is this different from e-filing?
SafeSend Returns allows you to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s), but it won't submit your return to the IRS. Once signed, L.K. Benson & Company is automatically notified, and we will then complete the filing process for you.

My spouse and I file our return jointly. how can we both sign the e-file authorization form(s)?
For spouses filing jointly, there are three ways to sign via SafeSend Returns:

If both spouses have an email address on file, both will receive an email with a link to view the return and sign the e-file authorization form(s). First, one spouse will receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and input the spouse’s email address, which will send an email link to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him or her and then sign the form(s).
If only one spouse has an email address on file, that spouse will first receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and then enter an email address for the second spouse. The second spouse will then receive the email link with identity verification questions specific to him/her. Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), Wipfli will be notified that signing is complete.
If a couple shares an email address, the primary signer will first receive a link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. After the primary signer signs the e-file authorization form(s), he or she can then enter the shared email address again. A new link will be sent with identity verification questions specific to the second spouse.

Can I sign my dependent's return electronically?
L.K. Benson & Company will deliver your dependent’s return using SafeSend Returns. However, most dependents may not have sufficient government and financial data available to successfully complete the electronic signature process. Therefore, you will need to download and print their efile forms, then mail, scan or fax them back to us.

I’d rather print and sign my e-file authorization form(s). Can I do that?
While an electronic signature is certainly easier and more convenient, you can still print, sign and mail, scan or fax your e-file form(s) back to L.K. Benson & Company if you’d prefer to do so.

After signing my e-file authorization form(s), will I receive confirmation that it was successfully submitted?
Yes, once you sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will receive an email stating it was successful. The email will also include a link to download a copy of your tax return for your records.

Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payment?
If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder seven days before your payment is due.

What about my TaxCaddy?
SafeSend Returns is directly integrated with TaxCaddy! If you have set up a TaxCaddy account, we will automatically deliver a copy of your returns directly to your account once they are signed.

Will I have to print and mail anything to the government?
In limited circumstances, you may need to print and mail information to government authorities. Common examples include tax and estimate payment vouchers, and local income tax returns. If forms need to be printed and mailed, you will receive clear instructions. You will also be provided options to make tax payments electronically if you prefer not to mail payments.

-Chris Benson, CPA/PFS

The views expressed represent the opinions of L.K. Benson & Company and are subject to change. These views are not intended as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be construed as investment advice or to provide any investment, tax, financial or legal advice or service to any person. Please see Additional Disclosures more information.