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Common questions

Access codes explained

Learn how SafeSend access codes work, how they are delivered, when they expire, and what to do if you do not receive or cannot use one.
SafeSend requires taxpayers to enter an access code before they view their documents. This security feature ensures that only the authorized people can access them. SafeSend randomly generates each code and delivers it by text or email.
note
  • Access codes are randomly generated.
  • Codes are valid for 20 minutes, until you use them, or until you generate a new code.
  • Access codes are for 1 time use only. Whenever you close a return and go back to it, you are prompted to request a new code.
How delivery is determined via email or mobile text message
.
The firm sends access codes by texting or emailing the taxpayer, depending on the taxpayer information on file. If there's a mobile phone number on file, the system texts the access code to the taxpayer. Otherwise, the system emails the access code instead.
Taxpayers can add a mobile number to their profile
.
While accessing your return, you can go to your profile and select
My Account
. You can then enter a mobile phone number.
Steps to take if you don't receive an access code.
  • Access codes can take up to 5 minutes to arrive. Your tax preparer's system sends them via mobile text message only if that information is on file. Go to the email address you use with the firm to verify if a code arrived there.
  • Emailed access codes come from noreply@safesendreturns.com. Access your junk or spam folder to make sure it didn't filter the code there. Add our email address to your contact list, or mark it as safe, to ensure you receive the proper messages.
  • If you have an IT department in charge of your email address, verify with them to ensure they are not quarantining your emails.
  • When accessing your return, use a modern web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Older browsers may not work correctly when requesting an access code.
  • If the code is going to your mobile device, ensure the service provider is not experiencing outages.
  • If you still can't receive an access code, your tax preparer can generate one for you.
What to do if you receive an error when entering an access code.
  • Access codes are only valid for 20 minutes and can only be used once. After that time, or if you previously accessed a return with that code, you need to request a new one.
  • If you enter an incorrect access code more than 3 times, your return will be locked. You will need to contact your tax preparer to unlock your return.
What to do if you receive an access code you didn’t request.
If multiple codes are received in a short period of time, you may have accidentally selected
Send Code
 several times.
If you receive an access code you didn't request, another party has the access link and requested a code. The access code process has alerted you that someone else may be attempting to access the return.
When the system sent the code to a mobile device, the other party won't be able to view the code and won't be able to gain access to the return.
If the system sent the code to an email address, the other party may have access to the code if they’ve compromised your email. In this case, contact the firm that prepared your return.
The firm should recall the return to render the link invalid and then deliver the return to a different email address.

This article applies to:

  • Product: safesend
  • Audiences: Client