Draft returns
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This article outlines the full taxpayer experience for draft returns. The taxpayer can access the return, review the return including vouchers/invoices and K-1s, and download documents during the Review step.
note
For married couples filing joint returns, only the initial recipient can view the return; it won’t be delivered to the spouse.
Clients can't complete the following actions from a draft return:
- Signing
- Delegating signing
- Paying vouchers
- Paying invoices
- Distributing K-1s
- Forwarding documents
Initial Email
The taxpayer receives an email with a link to the designated return.
- SelectLet's Get Started
- SelectAccess Client Portal.
Homepage
- Contactthe firm if you have any questions.
- SelectGet Started.
Authentication
Social Security Number Authentication (personal returns only)
- Enter the requested 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
- SelectContinue.
Access Code Verification (all return types)
- SelectSend Code.
- A message states whether the code is being delivered to your email address or your phone.
- Email Access Code:An 8-digit access code is sent to the initial email address.
- Mobile Access Code:A 6-digit access code is sent to your cell phone via text message.
- Enter the 6 or 8-digit access code in the code field.
- SelectContinue.
Welcome Page
This is the main dashboard for your return.
- The title line has 4 options:
- ViewDraftdesignation.
- View theTax yearfor the return.
- SelectContact Personto show a contact at the firm in case you have any questions.
- SelectClient Panelto change your mobile number or edit your spouse's information.
- The progress bar shows the step the draft return is currently in.
- Total refunds and payments for the return are also shown.
- SelectPrintto print the summary.
- Use the bottom arrows to open the panel to view more.
- SelectGet Startedto continue.
Message from Preparer
This page shows any instructions or messages included by the tax firm.
- View the message from your tax preparer.
- SelectPrintif you would like to print the message.
- SelectNextto continue.
Review Tax Documents
- Select theReturn Sectionyou want to review (filing instructions, tax return, and attachments).
- SelectDownloadto download and save documents to your device.
- TheForwardoption is not available for draft returns.
- SelectNextto continue.
Sign Tax Documents
There will be up to 2 options to sign depending on your firm's settings. You can't complete the sign step for a draft return, but you can review the steps that will occur when the final return is delivered.
- Selecte-Signto view the steps to sign electronically.
- SelectManually Signto view the steps to print, sign, and upload forms.
eSign
A list of all pages that require your signature is listed in the left panel. You can review the steps that will occur when the final return is delivered. These steps can't be completed for draft returns.
- Select theStartarrow to be led to your first signature line.
- Select theNextflag to be guided to all signature blocks.
- Select theNextbutton to continue.
Manually Sign
You can review the steps that will occur when the final return is delivered. These steps can't be completed for draft returns.
- Review the manual signing steps.
- SelectNextto continue.
Paper File Returns
The Paper File Returns section only appears if your delivered draft return includes a paper file return. The print and download options are not available for draft returns.
- View the message from your tax preparer.
- SelectNextto continue.
A consent pop-up appears.
- SelectI Consentto preview your paper file return orSkipthis step.
- SelectNextto continue.
K-1 Distribution
This option is only available for entity returns. K-1s can't be distributed or downloaded from draft returns.
Send Electronically
- SelectSend Electronicallyon the K-1 distribution dashboard.
- Select theEdit Partner Detailsbutton in theActioncolumn.
- Edit recipient details in theUpdate K-1 Partner Detailswindow.
- SelectSend Laterto continue.
Tax Payments
View Tax Payments
Vouchers can be reviewed, but can't be paid or downloaded from draft returns. Vouchers can be downloaded during the
Review
step. - Select theDue dateto view the payments due.
- SelectNext.
View Estimated Payments
Estimated vouchers can be reviewed, but can't be paid or downloaded from draft returns. Vouchers can be downloaded during the
Review
step. - Select theDue dateto view the payments due.
- SelectRequest Changesif the return is incorrect.
- SelectApprove Draft Returnif the return is correct.
End Page
Once the draft return is completed, you are directed to an end page. Your tax firm has been notified that you requested changes or approved the draft.