New user training

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Welcome to our summarized user training for SafeSend Returns.
Visit our SafeSend Customer Training dashboard to sign up for live webinars.
Upload, process, and deliver
Before a return is delivered to the taxpayer, it must be uploaded and processed. We recommend that you double-check that the client information, overpayment and applied amounts, and voucher amounts are correct before delivery.
  1. If you use an integration with your tax software, visit the Integrations section of our Help Center for upload steps. To manually upload a return, select your tax software button.
  2. Select the upload box to open a file browser, or drag and drop the appropriate document to upload.
  3. Edit the Client ID as needed. If the return is part of a group, you can enter a Group Name, but this is not a required field.
  4. Select
    Submit
    .
  5. The return is now in your In-Process dashboard. Select the
    Process
    icon to begin.
  6. The return opens on the
    Client Info
    tab. During processing, you can ensure that all client information, amounts due, refunds, and signature pages are correct.
  7. Refunds are shown in green and Payments Due are shown in red. Estimated Payments are not displayed in this tab, but can be viewed in the
    Transmittals
    or
    Vouchers
    tab.
  8. Select the authority to view the page the refund was calculated from and open the Refunds & Payments Due panel.
  9. You can edit the overpayment or applied amounts to adjust the total refund amount. Select
    Update
    to save any changes.
  10. You can also add refunds manually by selecting the plus button.
  11. Select an authority from the dropdown, enter an overpayment and applied amount, then select
    Add
    .
  12. The Return Information panel displays on the right.
  13. If the ERO/Signer and Office Location are not auto-populated, you will be prompted to select from the dropdown.
  14. Taxpayer information can be viewed and edited. For Married Filing Joint returns, scroll down to review spouse information. Any changes to taxpayer or spouse information are only reflected in SafeSend and do not edit the uploaded PDF.
  15. The Date of Birth and Mobile Number are not required and can be left blank.
  16. An email address is required. This will either auto-populate from Client Management, or you may need to enter it manually if this is your client's first year using SafeSend.
  17. For joint returns, the taxpayer and spouse are required to authenticate through separate email notifications, but they can share an email address.
  18. Marking a taxpayer or spouse as Deceased removes them from the signing process. If there is no spouse, the return is set to a manual signing process.
  19. The
    Group
    tab provides an overview of the pages and sections of the return.
  20. Select any of the folders to isolate pages in a specific category.
  21. You can move or delete pages by using the
    Move To
    dropdown. You can restore deleted items from the Deleted section.
  22. The
    Transmittals
    tab is where you'll review all filing instructions and transmittals. You can also compare your transmittal letters to the vouchers in the return.
  23. The panel displays recognized vouchers and estimated payments.
  24. Select a voucher to open the editing panel.
  25. You can edit voucher details as needed. We recommend you double-check that the amounts due and due dates are correct.
  26. Select
    Update
    to save any changes.
  27. To add a voucher manually, select the plus button.
  28. Select the taxing authority.
  29. Enter the form name.
  30. Enter the amount due.
  31. Select a watermark option.
    Online Payment Required
    will enable the taxpayer to pay online.
  32. Alternatively, you can choose
    DO NOT PAY
    if the voucher is scheduled for automatic withdrawal, or
    Add Custom
    to write custom instructions for your taxpayer.
  33. When finished, select
    Add
    .
  34. The voucher is now listed with the form name that was entered. The manually added voucher also appears in the
    Vouchers
    tab.
  35. The
    Tax Returns
    tab stores any unrecognized pages and does not require any action.
  36. The
    E-File
    tab displays all e-file forms, including FBARs.
  37. Select a taxpayer name from the dropdown to highlight or place signature controls for the selected signer.
  38. You can drag and drop any of the additional fields if needed.
  39. Use the
    Paper File
    tab for clients that have local returns that cannot be electronically signed. This option may or may not be available based on your firm's settings.
  40. Select the plus button to upload your paper file returns.
  41. Select the upload box to open a file browser, or drag and drop the appropriate document to upload.
  42. Select the authority and add the mailing address.
  43. Select
    Submit
    .
  44. You can edit the form name, authority, or mailing address in the editing panel.
  45. The
    Additional E-Sign Documents
    tab enables you to upload additional documents that require signature fields.
  46. Select the plus button.
  47. Select the upload box to open a file browser, or drag and drop the appropriate document to upload.
  48. Select the appropriate document type from the dropdown.
  49. Select
    Submit
    .
  50. Locate the page that needs signature controls using the navigation options.
  51. Drag and drop a signature block onto the page.
  52. Double-check that the fields are assigned to the appropriate signer. Use the signer dropdown to select a different signer.
  53. The
    Vouchers
    tab displays all payment and estimated vouchers included in the return. Select a voucher to open the editing panel. These options are the same as those in the Transmittals tab.
  54. If there are $0.00 vouchers, a notification appears on the
    Vouchers
    tab. Select it to remove them.
  55. Entity returns will have a
    K-1s
    tab that displays all pages in the return that were recognized as K-1s.
  56. The K-1 packages are separated and displayed in the panel. Select a K-1 recipient name to open the Partner Information panel.
  57. If the SSN or EIN was not printed on the K-1, you will be prompted to select a partner type from the dropdown and enter an SSN or EIN.
  58. You can add a mobile number and email address for the K-1 recipient, but this is not required. The taxpayer can enter this information when they distribute the packages.
  59. Depending on your firm's settings, you can turn SSN and EIN masking on or off using the toggle button. This masks the information on the PDF as well as in SafeSend.
  60. The
    Invoices
    tab displays any pages that were recognized as invoices. This section may or may not be available based on your firm's settings.
  61. Enter the amount due in the
    Invoice Amount
    box.
  62. If an invoice was printed but you do not want it sent with the return, select the
    Do not send
    checkbox.
  63. The
    Require payment
    checkbox is only available for firms using the Stripe integration.
  64. Select
    Replace Invoice
    to replace the existing one.
  65. Add a bookmark name and amount, then select
    Save
    .
  66. The
    Attachments
    tab is used to manually add forms that were not included in the original return PDF, such as source documents.
  67. Select the upload box to open a file browser, or drag and drop the appropriate document to upload.
  68. You can add a note for the taxpayer or view templated instructions.
  69. The Delivery Options are default settings pulled from the firm settings or your
    My Settings
    menu.
  70. Taxpayer Preview
    opens a new tab and enables you to view the return as the taxpayer will view it.
  71. Choose a contact person who appears for the taxpayer. You may select any user in the dropdown.
  72. Message From Preparer
    enables you to add a message that appears to the taxpayer after authentication.
  73. The
    Email Notifications
    area enables you to choose who the return is delivered to first, what sender name appears on the client emails, and who will be notified once the return is signed.
  74. In the
    SMS Text Notifications
    section, you can enable or disable text-based signing reminder notifications for clients.
  75. You can adjust the voucher and signing reminder frequency or turn the reminders on or off.
  76. If your firm settings permit, this section enables you to modify how long SafeSend stores a return.
  77. In the
    Signature Options
    section, you can choose whether the taxpayer will e-sign or manually sign. Depending on your firm settings, you can also disable KBA, enable signer delegation, and enable KBA for delegated signers.
  78. The mailing address and fax number displayed here are what your client views when they go through the manual signing process. You can choose a different office location from the dropdown.
  79. Select the report icon to report the return to our Support team if you experience any issues during processing.
  80. You are ready to deliver the return. Select
    Finish
    .
  81. You may receive a pop-up window prompting you to either add this client to your Client Management records or update any changed data. We recommend you select
    Yes
    to add it.
  82. Internal Routing enables you to send a return for review or approve it before it is delivered to the client.
  83. To send for review, select the reviewer from the dropdown and select
    Send
    .
  84. Use the
    Send to ERO / Signer
    option to send the return for review to the signer whose PTIN is on the return.
  85. Use the
    Approve for Delivery
    option to mark the return as approved.
  86. To send the return to the client, select
    Deliver to Client
    .
  87. For joint returns, select who will receive the return first and select
    Send
    .
Interactive tutorial
Refer to Processing a Return for a step-by-step guide on how to process and deliver a return.
We suggest reviewing our Recommended Print Settings for our best practices for printing returns from your tax software.
Client experience
1040 client experience
  1. You will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com.
  2. Select
    Let's Get Started
    to open the return.
  3. Select
    Get Started
    to continue.
  4. Enter the first or last four digits of your Social Security number.
  5. Select
    Confirm
    .
  6. Select
    Send Code
    to generate an access code. This code is sent to your email address or mobile device, depending on your firm's settings. The code is valid for 20 minutes, until you use it, or until you generate a new code.
  7. Retrieve the code from your email inbox or mobile device.
  8. Enter the code and select
    Confirm
    .
  9. Depending on your firm's settings, you may see an SMS Consent window.
    • If you would like to receive text reminders to sign your return, enter your mobile number and select
      Yes
      .
    • If you do not want to receive text message reminders, select
      No
      .
  10. This is the landing page for your return. A summary of your refunds and payments due is available in the panel.
  11. Select the
    Contact
    button to view the contact information for someone at your tax firm.
  12. Select your name to edit your profile or sign out.
  13. You can also preview the steps required to complete your return.
  14. Select
    Get Started
    to begin.
  15. Review the message from your tax firm and select
    Next
    .
  16. If an invoice was included with your return, it is displayed at the beginning of the review step.
    • You may see an option to
      Pay Now
      , which directs you to your tax firm's payment site.
    • You may be required to pay before continuing.
  17. Once the invoice has been reviewed or paid, select
    Next
    .
  18. You can review each section of your return by selecting the section name in the panel. Within the section, you can scroll, use the navigation arrows, or use the bookmark panel to move through the pages.
  19. If attachments were included with your return, you are redirected to a new page. Select
    Notes
    to view instructions from your firm.
  20. Select
    Download
    or
    Download All
    to retrieve the documents.
  21. You can also
    Forward
    or
    Download
    documents in the Review section.
  22. To forward, select one or more documents, enter one or more recipient email addresses and optional mobile numbers, and select
    Send
    . They receive only a PDF copy of the selected documents and are not prompted to sign, pay, or perform any other action.
  23. To download, select one or more documents and select
    OK
    , or select
    Download All
    .
  24. Select
    Next
    to continue.
  25. Depending on your firm's settings, you may see options to e-sign, manually sign, or delegate signing. This video demonstrates the e-signing process. Select
    e-Sign
    to continue.
  26. Enter or confirm your date of birth.
  27. Select the consent to e-sign checkbox.
  28. If there is a spouse on the return, enter or confirm their email address, and select
    Next
    .
  29. You are prompted to answer Knowledge-Based Authentication questions before signing your return. Answer 3 of 5 questions correctly to continue.
  30. Select the
    Start
    flag to begin.
  31. Select the green Signature block.
  32. You can choose to type or draw your signature, then select
    Apply
    to sign the form.
  33. Select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to the next signature field.
  34. Select the green Signature block to apply your previously chosen signature.
  35. As the pages are signed, they are checked off in the panel.
  36. Continue to select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to any additional fields.
  37. Once all fields are completed, select
    Next
    to continue.
  38. Double-check or update your spouse information.
  39. Select
    Next
    to finalize signing.
  40. If paper file returns were included with your return, you will see another message from your tax firm. Review the message and select
    Next
    to continue.
  41. Select to print or download your paper file return.
  42. Select
    I Consent
    to access the forms. Select
    Skip
    to move to the next step without printing or downloading your paper file returns.
  43. This is the pay section. You'll see any payment vouchers that were included with the return.
  44. Adjust your automated reminder settings as needed.
  45. Select
    Pay
    .
  46. You have the option to pay online or download the voucher and filing instructions.
  47. Select
    Add Payment Details
    .
  48. This is for record keeping purposes only. This does not initiate or confirm that any payment has been made to the taxing authority. Select
    Done
    to continue.
  49. Enter payment details and select
    Add Payment
    to save any changes.
  50. The voucher is marked as Paid. You can edit this anytime by selecting the
    Edit Payment Details
    button.
  51. You can download all your vouchers and filing instructions. Select
    Next
    .
  52. This section has your Estimated Tax Payments, broken up by date in the panel. You have the same payment options available.
  53. Select
    Done
    after reviewing or paying your vouchers.
  54. You are directed back to your return dashboard where you can go back to your vouchers section, review or distribute your K-1s, or view or download your documents. Select the
    Contact
    button if you have any questions or concerns about your return.
Interactive tutorial
Entity with K-1 distribution
  1. You will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com. Select
    Let's Get Started
    to open your return.
  2. Select
    Get Started
    to begin.
  3. Select
    Send Code
    to generate an access code. This code is sent to your email address or mobile device, depending on your firm's settings. The code is valid for 20 minutes, until you use it, or until you generate a new code.
  4. Retrieve the code from your email or mobile device.
  5. Enter the code and select
    Confirm
    .
  6. Depending on your firm's settings, you may see an SMS Consent window.
    • If you would like to receive text reminders to sign your return, enter your mobile number and select
      Yes
      .
    • If you do not want to receive text message reminders, select
      No
      .
  7. This is the landing page for your return. A summary of your refunds and payments due is available in the panel.
  8. Select the
    Contact
    button to view the contact information for someone at your tax firm.
  9. Select your company name to edit your profile or sign out.
  10. You can also preview the steps required to complete your return.
  11. Select
    Get Started
    to begin.
  12. Review the message from your tax firm and select
    Next
    .
  13. If an invoice was included with your return, it is displayed at the beginning of the review step.
    • You may see an option to
      Pay Now
      , which directs you to your tax firm's payment site.
    • You may be required to pay before continuing.
  14. Once the invoice has been reviewed or paid, select
    Next
    .
  15. You can review each section of your return by selecting the section name in the panel. Within the section, you can scroll, use the navigation arrows, or use the bookmark panel to move through the pages.
  16. If attachments were included with your return, you are redirected to a new page. Select
    Notes
    to view instructions from your firm.
  17. Select
    Download
    or
    Download All
    to retrieve the documents.
  18. You can also
    Forward
    or
    Download
    documents in the Review section.
  19. To forward, select one or more documents, enter one or more recipient email addresses and optional mobile numbers, and select
    Send
    . They receive only a PDF copy of the selected documents and are not prompted to sign, pay, or perform any other action.
  20. To download, select one or more documents and select
    OK
    , or select
    Download All
    .
  21. Select
    Next
    to continue.
  22. Depending on your firm's settings, you may see options to e-sign, manually sign, or delegate signing. This video demonstrates the e-signing process. Select
    e-Sign
    to get started.
  23. Select the
    Start
    flag to begin.
  24. Select the green Signature block.
  25. You can choose to type or draw your signature, then select
    Apply
    to sign the form.
  26. Select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to the next signature field.
  27. Select the green Signature block to apply your previously chosen signature.
  28. Continue to select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to the next signature field.
  29. Some fields prompt you to check a box or enter information. Complete the field and select the
    Next
    flag.
  30. Once all fields are completed, select
    Next
    to continue.
  31. Select
    Next
    to finalize signing.
  32. If paper file returns were included with your return, you will see another message from your tax firm. Review the message and select
    Next
    to continue.
  33. Select to print or download your paper file return.
  34. Select
    I Consent
    to access the forms. Select
    Skip
    to move to the next step without printing or downloading your paper file returns.
  35. You can distribute your K-1s electronically or download the packages to print and mail them. To deliver them securely via email, select
    Send Electronically
    .
  36. Select
    Edit
    to enter the K-1 recipient email address or edit other profile information.
  37. Use the fields in the K-1 Partners Details window to make changes.
  38. Deselect the update notification checkbox if you do not want to send an information update notification to your firm.
  39. Select
    Save
    to apply any changes.
  40. Select the checkbox next to the K-1s to be distributed, or use the select all checkbox to select all K-1s.
  41. Select
    Email Documents
    to deliver the packages.
  42. Return to the Status column at any time to check whether the K-1s have been downloaded. The statuses update to Sent once the packages have been delivered.
  43. Select
    Download All K-1s
    to download all packages into one PDF. Select
    Download Selected K-1s
    to download selected packages as separate PDFs.
  44. Large downloads are sent to your My Downloads folder in your profile menu.
  45. Select the
    Download
    arrow to complete the download.
  46. This is the pay section. You'll see any payment vouchers that were included with the return.
  47. Adjust your automated reminder settings as needed.
  48. Select
    Pay
    .
  49. You have the option to pay online or download the voucher and filing instructions.
  50. Select
    Add Payment Details
    .
  51. This is for record keeping purposes only. This does not initiate or confirm that any payment has been made to the taxing authority. Select
    Done
    to continue.
  52. Enter payment details and select
    Add Payment
    to save any changes.
  53. The voucher is marked as Paid. You can edit this anytime by selecting the
    Edit Payment Details
    button.
  54. You can download all your vouchers and filing instructions. Select
    Next
    .
  55. This section has your Estimated Tax Payments, broken up by date in the panel. You have the same payment options available.
  56. Select
    Done
    after reviewing or paying your vouchers.
  57. You are directed back to your return dashboard where you can go back to your vouchers section, review or distribute your K-1s, or view or download your documents. Select the
    Contact
    button if you have any questions or concerns about your return.
Interactive tutorial
Once the return is delivered, the client will have a variety of options such as downloading their return, paying vouchers, and forwarding their return to other recipients.
Refer to the Client Experience article for a step-by-step guide on the taxpayer experience.
Delivered report
The following video outlines the options available for delivered returns.
  1. Once a return is delivered to a client, it moves to the Delivered Returns section. All of the options available here can also be managed in the Archive Returns area.
  2. The Status column reflects where the return is in the signing process.
  3. Use the toolbar icons to refresh the report, generate quick reports, customize your column display, adjust your filters, and export the report to Excel.
  4. To edit one or more returns at the same time, select the checkbox next to the return to select it, then select the appropriate Bulk Action button.
  5. Use the column headers to search or filter the report. Select a column header to sort the report in ascending or descending order.
  6. Sort by Standard or Grouped returns in the
    Group Name
    column.
  7. Select the
    More
    (...) button in the action column to view additional actions available for that return.
  8. The return Status column reflects whether the delivery was successful or where the return is in the signing process.
  9. AWAITING E-SIGN
    and
    AWAITING UPLOAD
    mean you are waiting for the client to sign the return.
    PARTIALLY SIGNED
    applies to married filing joint returns and means only one of the two signers has signed.
  10. Select the
    PARTIALLY SIGNED
    status to view which client has signed and when. Any report item displayed as a link can be selected to reveal more information.
  11. The following statuses indicate the return has been signed:
    • E-SIGNED
      means the return was electronically signed by the client.
    • UPLOADED
      means the return was manually signed and uploaded by the client.
    • SIGNED AND E-SIGNED
      means the first signer e-signed but the second signer signed outside of SafeSend and a user changed the status.
    • MANUALLY SIGNED
      means the return was signed outside of SafeSend and a user changed the status.
    • E-SIGNED - IN OFFICE
      indicates the return is complete and was e-signed in your office.
  12. Change Status
    enables users to manually change the status of one or more returns. The return status must be
    AWAITING UPLOAD
    ,
    AWAITING E-SIGN
    , or
    PARTIALLY SIGNED
    to use this feature.
  13. Select the checkbox next to one or more returns, then select the
    Change Status
    button.
  14. In the dropdown, select
    Manually Signed
    .
  15. Select
    Save
    , then select
    Yes
    to confirm. The return status updates to
    Manually Signed
    .
  16. Set Access
    enables users to select who can and cannot view the returns. System Admins can view all returns regardless of the Set Access setting.
  17. Send Reminder enables you to send a manual reminder to sign immediately, or adjust automated reminder settings.
  18. Moving signed and downloaded returns to the Archive keeps your Delivered Returns dashboard organized, leaving only the returns the firm is still waiting on.
  19. Download e-file Forms
    enables you to download signed documents in bulk to a .ZIP file. Only returns in an
    UPLOADED
    ,
    E-SIGNED
    ,
    SIGNED & E-SIGNED
    , or
    ALTERNATE & UPLOADED
    status can be downloaded in bulk.
  20. Delete
    moves returns from the Delivered Returns section to the Recycle Bin section. Deleted returns can be restored or permanently deleted. Permanent deletion is not recommended.
  21. Change Office Location enables you to change the assigned office location for the return. You can only view returns assigned to office locations you have permission to use.
  22. Select the
    Refresh
    icon to ensure your report is up to date and reflects any recent changes.
  23. Two Quick Report options are available. You can generate a report showing which return links have not been accessed by the client, and which clients have failed knowledge-based authentication.
  24. Column Options
    enables each user to customize the columns displayed in their Delivered Returns Report.
  25. The
    Filter
    option enables you to apply recent filters, save custom filters, and set a default filter. Use the
    Clear Filter
    option to remove all filters and display all returns you have permission to view.
  26. The
    Export to Excel
    option enables you to export the filtered report to Excel. This report also displays client email addresses.
  27. Select the
    Edit Client Info
    button to update client information. Select the card to open the edit window and select
    Save
    to apply any changes.
  28. Select the ellipsis to expand the action menu for that return.
  29. You can download e-file forms individually rather than in bulk.
  30. Clients can become locked out of their tax return by entering an incorrect or expired access code or an incorrect Social Security number. Select
    Unlock Return
    to enable the client to attempt to authenticate again.
  31. The
    Resend Access Link
    option is only available for returns in an
    E-Signed
    ,
    Uploaded
    , or
    Manually Signed
    status. Use the
    Send Reminder
    option for unsigned returns.
  32. Select the arrow to resend the access link to the client, or select the copy icon to copy their access link to your clipboard.
  33. Client View
    opens a new browser tab and provides a static view of what the client views. You can review the progress the client has made and whether they have marked vouchers as
    PAID
    .
  34. Recall a Return if any changes need to be made after delivery. This moves the return to your Send Tax Returns dashboard where it can be reprocessed, or deleted if a new return needs to be uploaded.
  35. Send Reminder enables you to edit the automated reminder settings for that return or send a reminder to sign immediately.
  36. Upload Estimates
    enables you to upload updated estimated vouchers to the return.
  37. You can generate an access code for the taxpayer and provide it via email or phone. Select this option after the client selects the
    Send Code
    button. Any codes generated before this step become invalid.
  38. Select
    Generate Access Code
    .
  39. Retrieve and provide the new code. This code is valid for 20 minutes, until it is used, or until a new code is generated.
  40. The Retention Policy is set by the firm, but it can be adjusted here if your settings permit.
  41. Report a Problem
    enables you to send a report from a specific return to the Support team. This provides them with additional return details that may be useful for troubleshooting.
  42. User Tracking
    enables you to view certain firm and client events. Tracked events include return delivery, signing, and downloading.
  43. Download Returns
    provides a place to download specific items from the return.
  44. The
    Screen Share
    option enables you to work with clients remotely by viewing their screen in real time. Refer to our Screen Share article for more information.
  45. You can archive returns individually from the action menu.
  46. You can delete a delivered return to move it to the Recycle Bin.
  47. A return becomes locked when a user opens a return for processing or exits it without saving and closing. If another user tries to access the locked return, they receive a Return In-Use error. Unlock the return from the Locked Returns dashboard.
  48. The K-1 Delivered Status report provides a breakdown of the percentages of K-1s delivered and downloaded. You can view and export K-1 status data. Users can also deliver K-1s on behalf of clients if their firm settings permit.
  49. Select the
    Client View
    icon to distribute K-1s if needed. Select the
    K-1 Partner Update
    icon to display K-1 Partner Update statuses.
  50. The Reminder Management dashboard enables you to run a report showing delivered and scheduled voucher reminder emails.
  51. Enter a date range and select
    Filter
    to generate a report.
  52. You can also export the generated report to Excel.
Interactive tutorial
Grouped returns
Refer to our Grouped Returns: Uploading, Processing, and Delivery article for more information on how to process and deliver a group.
The following video shows the typical experience for the Controller.
  1. You will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com. Select
    Let's Get Started
    to open the group of returns.
  2. Select
    Get Started
    to continue.
  3. Select
    Send Code
    to generate an access code. This code is sent to your email address or mobile device, depending on your firm's settings. The code is valid for 20 minutes, until you use it, or until you generate a new code.
  4. Retrieve the code from your email inbox or mobile device.
  5. Enter the code and select
    Confirm
    .
  6. This is the landing page for your returns. Select the
    Contact
    button to view the contact information for someone at your tax firm.
  7. Select your name to edit your profile or sign out.
  8. Use the column headers to search or filter your returns.
  9. Review the Signature Status, Next Payment Due, and K-1 Distribution Status columns to determine which returns require action.
  10. Select the
    Action
    menu, then select
    Email Documents
    to forward part or all of the return to a third party.
  11. Select one or more documents, enter one or more recipient email addresses and optional mobile numbers, and select
    Send
    . They receive only a PDF copy of the selected documents and are not prompted to sign, pay, or perform any other action.
  12. Select
    Open
    to begin the client experience for that return.
  13. This is the landing page for your return. A summary of your refunds and payments due is available in the panel.
  14. Select the
    Contact
    button to view the contact information for someone at your tax firm.
  15. Select your name to edit your profile or sign out.
  16. You can also preview the steps required to complete your return. For entity returns, you will also see a K-1 distribution step.
  17. Select
    Get Started
    to begin.
  18. Review the message from your tax firm and select
    Next
    .
  19. If an invoice was included with your return, it is displayed at the beginning of the review step.
    • You may see an option to
      Pay Now
      , which directs you to your tax firm's payment site.
    • You may be required to pay before continuing.
  20. Once the invoice has been reviewed or paid, select
    Next
    .
  21. You can review each section of your return by selecting the section name in the panel. Within the section, you can scroll, use the navigation arrows, or use the bookmark panel to move through the pages.
  22. If attachments were included with your return, you are redirected to a new page. Select
    Notes
    to view instructions from your firm.
  23. Select
    Download
    or
    Download All
    to retrieve the documents.
  24. You can also
    Forward
    or
    Download
    documents in the Review section.
  25. To forward, select one or more documents, enter one or more recipient email addresses and optional mobile numbers, and select
    Send
    . They receive only a PDF copy of the selected documents and are not prompted to sign, pay, or perform any other action.
  26. To download, select one or more documents and select
    OK
    , or select
    Download All
    .
  27. Select
    Next
    to continue.
  28. Depending on your firm's settings, you may see options to e-sign, manually sign, or delegate signing. This video demonstrates the e-signing process. Select
    e-Sign
    to continue.
  29. Enter or confirm your date of birth for 1040 returns.
  30. Select the consent to e-sign checkbox.
  31. If there is a spouse on the return, enter or confirm their email address, and select
    Next
    .
  32. For some 1040 returns, you are prompted to answer Knowledge-Based Authentication questions before signing your return. Answer 3 of 5 questions correctly to continue.
  33. Select the
    Start
    flag to begin.
  34. Select the green Signature block.
  35. You can choose to type or draw your signature, then select
    Apply
    to sign the form.
  36. Select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to the next signature field.
  37. Select the green Signature block to apply your previously chosen signature.
  38. As the pages are signed, they are checked off in the panel.
  39. Continue to select the
    Next
    flag to be guided to any additional fields.
  40. Once all fields are completed, select
    Next
    to continue.
  41. Double-check or update your spouse information if applicable.
  42. Select
    Next
    to finalize signing.
  43. If paper file returns were included with your return, you will see another message from your tax firm. Review the message and select
    Next
    to continue.
  44. Select to print or download your paper file return.
  45. Select
    I Consent
    to access the forms. Select
    Skip
    to move to the next step without printing or downloading your paper file returns.
  46. For entity returns, you can distribute your K-1s electronically or download the packages to print and mail them. To deliver them securely via email, select
    Send Electronically
    .
  47. Select
    Edit
    to enter the K-1 recipient email address or edit other profile information.
  48. Use the fields in the K-1 Partners Details window to make changes.
  49. Deselect the update notification checkbox if you do not want to send an information update notification to your firm.
  50. Select
    Save
    to apply any changes.
  51. Select the checkbox next to the K-1s to be distributed, or use the select all checkbox to select all K-1s.
  52. Select
    Email Documents
    to deliver the packages.
  53. Return to the Status column at any time to check whether the K-1s have been downloaded. The statuses update to Sent once the packages have been delivered.
  54. Select
    Download All K-1s
    to download all packages into one PDF. Select
    Download Selected K-1s
    to download selected packages as separate PDFs.
  55. Large downloads are sent to your My Downloads folder in your profile menu.
  56. Select the
    Download
    arrow to complete the download.
  57. Select
    Next
    to continue.
  58. This is the pay section. You'll see any payment vouchers that were included with the return.
  59. Adjust your automated reminder settings as needed.
  60. Select
    Pay
    .
  61. You have the option to pay online or download the voucher and filing instructions. Select
    Pay Now
    to be directed to the taxing authority's website.
  62. Select
    Add Payment Details
    .
  63. This is for record keeping purposes only. This does not initiate or confirm that any payment has been made to the taxing authority. Select
    Done
    to continue.
  64. Enter payment details and select
    Add Payment
    to save any changes.
  65. The voucher is marked as Paid. You can edit this anytime by selecting the
    Edit Payment Details
    button.
  66. You can download all your vouchers and filing instructions. Select
    Next
    .
  67. This section has your Estimated Tax Payments, broken up by date in the panel. You have the same payment options available.
  68. Select
    Done
    after reviewing or paying your vouchers.
  69. You are directed back to your return dashboard where you can go back to your vouchers section, review or distribute your K-1s, or view or download your documents. Select the
    Contact
    button if you have any questions or concerns about your return.
Interactive tutorial
Settings
Refer to the Firm Set-up Guide for more information on each global setting in the account. Refer to My Settings for more information on individual user settings.