SafeSend Returns client email
Recommendation
Send a templated email to the taxpayer around the same time you send them their tax return. Standardizing this delivery email template ensures that no matter the sender or recipient, partners, and professional staff can be assured that consistent, accurate, and instructional information reaches all recipients.
Template creation steps (MS Outlook® users)
- Open a new Outlook® email and remove theSignatureblock, if one prepopulates.
- Tailor the text and content the firm would like to provide (the following sample), then copy and paste that information into the blank email.
- Save more time by leaving out salutations and personal client-identifying information.
- Add a clearSubjectline, such as “Your tax return is ready for review/signature”.
- SelectSave Asand change theFile TypetoOutlook Template. Place this file in a centralized location accessible to all processors, such as aSafeSend Templatesfolder.
- TheOutlook Templatefile type prevents accidental replacing of information saved in the copy everyone accesses.
- Any future changes are easy to make with a single template to maintain.
Template content sample
Title: SafeSend Returns for tax return delivery |
<FIRM NAME>.
Description: We are glad to offer SafeSend Returns to our clients as our secure, electronic tax return delivery system. Learn more about reviewing and completing your tax return package.
<FIRM NAME>
Introduces SafeSend Returns® for tax return delivery.We are glad to offer SafeSend Returns to our clients as our secure, electronic tax return delivery system. The client-friendly interface walks you through a guided process that includes on-screen review of your return, collecting IRS-compliant e-signatures on e-file authorization forms, and options for making tax payments. SafeSend Returns then automatically sends the forms back to
<FIRM NAME>
.Benefits of using SafeSend Returns
- Receive your tax returns securely without setting up an account or remembering a password.
- Access your return across all platforms: computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- Electronically sign your federal and state e-file authorizations (8879) — no printing or mailing necessary.
- Receive payment reminder emails.
- Download a copy of your tax return.
- For businesses, conveniently distribute K-1 electronically.
How it works
- You will receive an email from<FIRM NAME>with a “from” address of noreply@safesendreturns.com.
- The email will contain a secure link for you to access your tax return.
- After selecting the link, enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number to review your return.
- SafeSend will email or text you an access code to verify your identity. For emailed codes, check yourSpamorJunkfolder if you don’t receive the email in your inbox. Enter the code within 20 minutes of receipt. If you don’t enter the code within 20 minutes, you can request another.
- When you are ready to sign your e-file authorization forms, answer a series of simple questions to verify your identity.
- Once you sign the e-file authorization forms,<FIRM NAME>will receive a notification and complete the rest of the e-filing process.
Common questions
Return ready notifications
Email notifications will be sent from
<FIRM NAME>
at noreply@safesendreturns.com when your return is ready to sign. To prevent the email from being filtered to spam or junk, add this email address to your safe list.Entering part of your Social Security Number
SafeSend Returns provides a secure system to review and sign your e-file authorization forms. Confirm you are on the secure site by verifying that the site URL begins with https:// and that a locked padlock symbol appears in your browser's URL bar.
Missing access code emails
Check your
Spam
or Junk
folder if you don’t receive your access code. If you don’t receive your code within the 20-minute time limit, request another. You can also search your email for "noreply@safesendreturns.com".Identity verification questions
SafeSend Returns uses knowledge-based questions drawn from government and credit sources, such as where you lived in a given year or when you purchased your car or home. If a question doesn’t apply to you, select the answer that accurately reflects this. If you can't remember the answers or answer incorrectly, you won’t be able to electronically sign your e-file authorization forms. In that case, you can print, sign, and return your e-file authorization forms to
<FIRM NAME>
.Device and browser compatibility
Complete this process on any computer, smartphone, or tablet via a web browser. There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available. Google Chrome is the recommended browser.
Download and print your return
You can download and print your return from a computer. When using a smartphone or tablet, you can review and eSign your return package, but printing may not be available. Use a laptop or desktop computer for the best printing experience.
Difference between SafeSend Returns and E-Filing
SafeSend Returns lets you sign your e-file authorization forms electronically, but doesn’t submit your return to the IRS. Once you sign,
<FIRM NAME>
will receive an automatic notification and will then complete the e-filing process, including submission to the IRS.Joint filers signing e-file authorization forms
For spouses filing jointly, SafeSend Returns supports several signing workflows:
- If both spouses have an email address on file, each will receive an email with a link to review the return and sign the e-file authorization forms. The 1st spouse will receive a link with identity verification questions specific to them, sign the forms, and confirm the other spouse's email address. The 2nd spouse will then receive an email link, answer their own identity verification questions, and sign the forms. Once the 2nd spouse signs,<FIRM NAME>will receive an automatic notification.
- If only 1 spouse has an email address on file, that spouse will receive an email with a link to review the return and sign the e-file authorization forms. After signing, that spouse will provide the other spouse's email address. The 2nd spouse will then receive an email link, answer their own identity verification questions, and sign the forms. Once the 2nd spouse signs,<FIRM NAME>will receive an automatic notification.
- If a couple shares an email address, the initial recipient will receive an email with aSubjectline indicating which spouse the link is intended for. That spouse will sign the e-file authorization forms and provide the shared email address for the 2nd spouse. The 2nd spouse will then receive an email link with their name in theSubjectline. Once the 2nd spouse signs,<FIRM NAME>will receive an automatic notification.
Signing a dependent's return
SafeSend Returns delivers dependent returns electronically; however, due to IRS knowledge-based authentication requirements, a minor dependent may not qualify. In those cases, manually sign and return the dependent's e-file authorization form to
<FIRM NAME>
.Print and Mail e-file authorization forms
You can still print, sign, and mail your e-file authorization forms back to
<FIRM NAME>
if you prefer to do so.Confirmation after signing
Once you sign your e-file authorization forms, you will receive a confirmation email stating the submission was successful. The email will also include a link to download a copy of your tax return for your records.
Quarterly estimated payment reminders
If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder before each payment is due.
For more assistance
If you have additional questions about SafeSend Returns, contact:
Firm contact
Email address | phone number