Grouped returns explained
Learn how grouped returns work, including setup, delivery, controller access, reminders, delegation, and managing multiple returns under one access link.
General
General questions | Answers |
|---|---|
What are the benefits of using the grouped returns feature? | Grouped returns let you send multiple returns under 1 access link. The access link will take the controller to a dashboard that shows all the returns delivered within the group and their statuses. |
What pricing tiers have access to grouped returns? | Grouped returns are included in all pricing tiers. |
Do I need to change settings to turn on grouped returns? | No. The grouped returns are always available. |
How many returns can be delivered within a group at 1 time? | You can deliver up to 150 returns at a time. |
How many returns can be added to the group over time? | You can add a minimum of 1,500 returns to the group. |
Do the grouped returns work with all supported tax applications? | Yes. You can use grouped returns generated by CCH Axcess™ and ProSystem fx®, UltraTax CS®, Lacerte®, and ONESOURCE GoSystem® Tax RS. |
Will grouped returns work with any of the tax application integrations? | Yes. Returns can be grouped after they are transmitted using one of the application integrations. Users assign them to a group from the Send Tax Returns screen or while uploading a return. |
Can group returns be assigned to an office location? | Yes, group returns can be assigned to an office location during processing in the Client Info tab, or after delivery by using the bulk editing options. |
Uploading
Uploading questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Can I create a group before uploading a return? | No. Upload at least 1 return to create a group. |
Do I have to create new groups each year for the returns? | No. When you create a new group, it becomes available to select for future deliveries. You can select that group for returns delivered in the current year or future years. |
Processing
Processing questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Do I need to update specific taxpayer info when processing a grouped return? | No. Returns in a group are sent to a controller. The controller reviews the returns, e-signs (if authorized), or delegates the returns for signature. |
Do all the returns within a group need to be delivered at the same time? | No. You can deliver returns in a group all at once or at different times. |
How can I tell which returns in a group have been processed and approved? | The status for the return should show as Ready for Delivery . |
I created a new group but entered the wrong name. Can I change it? | Yes. You can edit the group name in the More Actions (…) dropdown for one of the returns in the group. |
Delivery
Delivery questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Can I view the returns that have been delivered within a group? | Yes. You can locate a group of returns by using the Group Name column. |
Who will receive signing and voucher reminders for returns delivered in a group? | The controller will receive all reminders. |
Can returns that were delivered previously be moved to a group? | No. Once a return has been delivered, you can't move it into a group. |
If a return within a group needs to be recalled, do I have to recall the whole group, or can I recall the 1 return? | You can recall a specific return from a group or recall the whole group at once. |
Can I view the Controller Dashboard? | Yes. There is a controller view in the More Actions (…) dropdown. This will show you what the controller will view. |
Can I review the tracking history for grouped returns? | Yes. You can review Controller Tracking and Client Tracking events. |
Can the controller use multi-factor authentication? | Yes. Adding a mobile number to the Controller information will turn on multi-factor authentication for the controller if the firm has the settings on. |
Controller experience
Controller experience questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Will the controller get a notification email for each return delivered within a group? | No. The controller will get 1 email for all returns in a group that are sent at the same time. |
Can the controller distribute a K-1? | Yes. Controllers can distribute a K-1 after the return is delegated or signed. |
Can the controller review all their grouped returns at the same time? | No. A controller will need to review each return in a group individually. After reviewing a return, they go back to the Controller Dashboard to review the next one. |
Can the controller view which returns have been e-signed? | Yes. Once a return has been signed, the Controller Dashboard is updated. |
If returns are delivered to the controller at different times, will the controller need to use the most current email link to access the grouped returns? | No. All returns in a group have the same link when delivered to the controller, regardless of when they are sent. |
Signer delegation
Signer delegation questions | Answers |
|---|---|
Can a controller use Signer Delegation in grouped returns? | Yes. Signer Delegation is available to controllers as long as it is enabled under . |
Can a controller delegate a return to different signers within a group? | Yes. Multiple delegated signers within a group are supported. |
Will the controller be able to view the status of a return after it has been delegated? | Yes. The Controller Dashboard will be updated with the status of a delegated return. |
Will the controller receive notifications when the delegate e-signs? | Yes. The controller will receive an email notification when the tax documents are signed. |
If the controller delegates signing to the same person for multiple returns in a group, does that person receive 1 email containing all the delegated forms? | No. The person will receive an email for each delegated return and will need to request an access code to sign for each one. |