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Configure settings

Manage global default settings for download options, client messages, eSign options, security, and payment vouchers for extensions.

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The Settings menu lets firm System Administrators update and save global default settings for extensions. You can update text displayed to the client, eSign options, and reporting options.

note

Some settings related to processing no longer apply. New extensions are processed in the Tax Returns dashboard, where Tax Returns settings applies.

The Extensions dashboard is only used to manage extensions delivered before January 24, 2026.

Select Settings
.

Select the settings group you want to adjust.

Select Apply
to save any changes made.

General

Download options:

Customize the way taxpayers view and download documents.

Setting	Description
Transmittals	Select how forms are downloaded, either Include in the Filing Form PDF or Create a Separate PDF for the extension package and transmittals.
Payment Vouchers	Select how Payment Vouchers are downloaded, either Separate by Quarterly Due Dates or Group in Single PDF.

Customize delivered report:

This lets you add a custom column to the Delivered and Archived reports (for example, Location). Custom columns have entries that you can select from a dropdown.

To add a custom column:

Enter a name for the column in the Column Name
field.

Select Update
to save the column.

Enter a value in the Column Value
field.

Select the +
button to add the value to the list.

note

You can add multiple entries to a custom column. To edit or delete an entry, go to the list and select the Edit
icon for the name of the column value.

Saved Messages

You can add, preview, and change Saved Message
templates that you can apply while processing an extension. The client will get this message after authenticating and selecting to begin.

Add a new message:

Select the +
icon for the message list.

Enter a brief name for the message. This name will appear in the Message From Preparer
dropdown in the Delivery Options
tab during processing.

Select the Default
switch to set this message as your firm default (optional).

note

Only 1 message can be the default.

Fill out the body of the message in rich text format. You can set the font size, style, alignment, and color of the text.

(Optional) Mark Allow users to edit before sending
to let users edit the message during processing.

Select Add
to save the new message.

note

To insert images, copy and paste them from another program.

Select Variables List
to show all available variables that can be placed into the Body
to fill with the listed information automatically.

Edit a saved message:

Select a saved message from the message list. A preview of the message appears.

Select Edit
to open the editing window.

You can do the following:

Change the name of the message.

Set the message as the default message to use when processing extensions.

Edit the body of the message in rich text format. This lets you change the font size, style, alignment, and color.

Let firm users edit the message before sending the extension.

Select Save
when you are done making changes.

Client Instructions

Throughout the extension process, clients receive email messages that contain instructions for filling out, reviewing, signing, and downloading their extensions. They also receive reminders if they haven't reviewed or signed their extensions, or if they have a payment due. The following is a list of the email messages and their purpose.

Messages can be added, deleted, or edited by using the controls on the screen. The editing options are the same as those for the Saved Message
section.

note

Whichever message is marked as the Default
is sent to all extension recipients. These templates can't be selected on an extension-by-extension basis.

Message	Description
Initial Email	This is the 1st message sent to the client when the extension is delivered.
Review and Sign Extension Reminder	This is a reminder email sent to the client per the options set during delivery.
Voucher Reminders	This reminder email is sent prior to the voucher due date to clients.
Download Tax Documents	This message is sent to clients who request to have their tax documents mailed to them.
Download E-Signed Forms	This message is sent to clients once all required parties have completed e-signing the forms in the extension package.
Recalled Return Instructions	This message is sent to the client when the firm recalls their extension for correction.
Payment Instruction	The system sends this email when the client requires payments.

eSign options

1040 Forms

These configurations only apply to extension packages for individual returns. They affect what delivery options are available to users in the firm when they finish processing.

Setting	Description
E-Sign when all included extensions are allowed	This turns on e-signing when all included forms belong to states that accept e-signatures. If an included form belongs to a state that doesn't accept e-signatures, e-signing isn't available.
Review Extension Only	This turns off e-signing for all included forms and only lets the taxpayer review the extension. Firm users can't add any signature controls.
Allow user to place signature control when applicable	This checkbox is only available when Review Extension Only is turned on. When marked, users in the firm can add signature controls to forms as needed.

1040 Knowledge-Based Authentication

These settings are only available when the 1040 eSign option is turned on.

Setting	Description
Use Knowledge-Based Authentication to initiate the Signing Process (Required by IRS)	When starting the signing process, KBA questions are presented to the taxpayer to validate their identity.
Use Knowledge-Based Authentication to initiate the Signing Process for delegated signers (Required by IRS)	When starting the signing process, KBA questions are presented to the taxpayer's delegated signer. This is a security measure to verify that the delegated signer is a trusted source.

Permit signature stamps:

Setting	Description
Use Signature Stamps	This option only applies to ERO signatures. It lets a user in the firm place signature stamps that are saved in their profile.

Additional document for eSign:

This option lets you create specific document types that a user in the firm can choose when uploading additional files. By default, the Engagement Letter type is available. To add additional document types:

Enter a name in the Document Type Values
field.

Select the +
button to add it to the list.

Select

to change the name of a document type, or delete

to delete it.

Signer delegation

Lets a client or taxpayer delegate signing to a 3rd party.

Setting	Description
Individual (1040) Returns	Supports signer delegation for individual extensions.
Entity (1041, 1065, 1120, 1120-S) Returns	Supports signer delegation for entity extensions.

Business and trust returns

These configurations only apply to extension packages for entity returns. They affect what delivery options are available to users in the firm when they finish processing.

Setting	Description
Enable E-Signatures for Business & Trust Extensions	Turns on e-signing when all included forms belong to states that accept e-signatures. If an included form belongs to a state that doesn't accept e-signatures, e-signing isn't available.
Review Extension Only	Turns off e-signing for entity returns and only lets the client review the extension. This prevents users in the firm from adding any signature controls.
Allow user to place signature control when applicable	This checkbox is only available when Review Extension Only is turned on. When marked, users in the firm can add signature controls to forms as needed.

Automatic signing reminders

Sends reminders to clients if they haven't signed a delivered extension package.

Setting	Description
Enable Automatic Signing Reminders	Turns on signing reminders. The wording of these reminders can be set in Settings Client Instructions .

E-file forms configurations

Control how SafeSend processes uploaded forms.

Setting	Description
Do not insert dates on the E-File forms	Stops SafeSend from automatically adding date controls when uploading an extension.
Do not insert Name and Title on the Entity E-File Forms	Mark the checkbox to remove titles from e-file forms during processing.

Security

Taxpayer authentication

For 1040 Extensions, the taxpayer is required to enter part of their Social Security number (SSN). The firm can choose if you would like them to enter the last 4 or first 4 digits of their SSN.

Setting	Description
Last 4 of SSN	Select the radio button to have the taxpayer enter the last 4 digits of their SSN to authenticate.
First 4 of SSN	Select the radio button to have the taxpayer enter the 1st 4 digits of their SSN to authenticate.

Retention policy

The firm can choose how long to retain Standard and Attest Extensions. Extensions will automatically be deleted after this retention period. The firm can also decide if it would like to let users override this default configuration before the Extension is delivered.

Setting	Description
Default	Select a Default retention period by using the dropdown.
Attest Clients	Select a Default retention period by using the dropdown.
Allow any user to override before delivery	Mark the checkbox to let users override the retention period before delivery.

Vouchers

Payment vouchers

Setting	Description
Enable payment voucher reminders	When enabled, our system sends out automated reminders [ X ] days before the vouchers are due.
Set default reminder to	Select the default reminder period via the dropdown to determine how many days before the due date our system will send those reminders out.
Receive email notification when your client adds payment information	When enabled, users receive email notifications when clients enter their payment information into our system. note We don’t track the payments from the actual authority, only if the client adds the details to our system.

Default voucher due date

Select the preferred policy for voucher due dates when not printed on the form.

Setting	Description
SSR Default Due Date	The default voucher due date is automatically applied to all vouchers.
Voucher Form	The voucher date is pulled from the page when possible, otherwise, it will use our defined Voucher Due Date Policy .

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Configure settings

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