Tax Services

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SafeSend for Tax Returns

 

 

To enhance the service we provide our clients, Weinstein Spira has automated the individual, business, and trust return process with SafeSend Returns technology.

User-friendly and highly secure, SafeSend is an easier way to manage your tax return. SafeSend provides our clients with a simple, easy-to-use process for securely reviewing and e-signing your tax documents from the convenience of your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Clients who use SafeSend Returns will be able to:

  • Electronically review, sign, save, and/or print their tax documents
  • Have a live link to their tax documents for up to five years
  • Download and save their files once they have been reviewed
  • Electronically access their payment vouchers and receive email reminders of payments due
  • Forward their tax documents to bankers and other professional advisors through a secure email link
  • Business clients will be able to conveniently distribute partner K-1s electronically

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How-to Videos:

FAQs:

Accessing SafeSend

  • Is it safe to enter part of my Social Security Number?
    • Yes. SafeSend Returns offers a secure system to view and sign your e-file authorization form(s). Look for HTTPS:// at the beginning of the site URL and a locked padlock symbol in your browser’s URL bar to confirm you are on the secure site.
  • Will this work on any internet-connected device? Does SafeSend offer an app for my smartphone?
    • There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available, but the signature process can be completed on any computer, smartphone, or tablet via a web browser. 

About SafeSend

  • Will SafeSend work on my Gift Tax Return (Form 709), Estate Tax Return (Form 706), or Non-Profit Return (Form 990)?
    • No. SafeSend is only available for individuals, trusts, and businesses (Forms 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120s, and 1120)
  • Will I receive a notification when my return is ready to sign?
    • Yes. Email notifications will be sent from Weinstein Spira at noreply(at)safesendreturns.com or noreply(at)safesend.com. We recommend adding this email address to your safe list to prevent the email getting filtered to spam/junk.
  • How do I know if I qualify to review my return and electronically sign my e-file authorization forms via SafeSend?
    • If portions of your tax return qualify for e-filing and you’ve provided a valid email address, you’ll be able to review your return and electronically (or manually) sign your e-file authorization forms via SafeSend Returns.
    • If you also have local and/or state return(s) that need to be paper filed, we will upload those returns to SafeSend Returns. In turn, you will need to download the local and/or state return(s), manually sign, and mail to the appropriate taxing authority.
  • How is this different from e-filing?
    • SafeSend Returns allows you to electronically sign your individual e-file authorization forms, but it won’t submit your return to the IRS. Once signed, Weinstein Spira is automatically notified, and we will then complete the filing process for you, including submission to the IRS.

Using SafeSend

  • My spouse and I file our individual return jointly. How can we both sign the e-file authorization forms?
    • For spouses filing jointly, there are three ways to sign via SafeSend Returns
      • If both spouses have an email address on file, both will receive an email with a link to view the return and sign the e-file authorization forms. First, one spouse will receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization forms and input the spouse’s email address, which will send an email link to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him or her and then sign the forms.
      • If only one spouse has an email address on file, that spouse will first receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization forms and then enter an email address for the second spouse. The second spouse will then receive the email link with identity verification questions specific to him/her. Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization forms, Weinstein Spira will be notified that signing is complete.
      • If a couple shares an email address, the primary signer will first receive a link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. After the primary signer signs the e-file authorization forms, he or she can then enter the shared email address again. A new link will be sent with identity verification questions specific to the second spouse.
  • What are KBA questions and where do they come from? What if I don’t remember the answers?
    • KBA stands for Knowledge-Based-Authentication. To sign your individual return electronically, the IRS requires CPA firms use KBA questions for added security.
    • The questions SafeSend Returns asks are knowledge-based questions pulled from government and credit sources. You may be asked questions such as where you lived in a given year, or when you bought your car or home.
    • In the event the questions do not apply to you, simply choose the answer that accurately reflects this
    • If you don’t remember the answers to the questions, or you answer incorrectly, you won’t be able to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s). Instead, you can print, sign, and return your e-file authorization form(s) to Weinstein Spira.
    • Information is not saved by SafeSend or Weinstein Spira
  • Can I sign my dependent’s individual return electronically?
    • Weinstein Spira will deliver your dependent’s return using SafeSend Returns. However, some dependents may not have sufficient government and financial data available to successfully complete the electronic signature process. If there is not enough data available, your dependent will be given the option to download and sign their forms.
  • Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payments?
    • If estimated payments are included in the review copy of your tax return, you will automatically receive an email reminder seven days before your payment is due.
  • Will I have the option to download and print my return to retain for my records?
    • Yes! This is the first step once you access your return in SafeSend.
    • If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you may not be able to download and print your return, but you will be able to review and electronically sign it. Don’t worry – you can always download and print your return from your personal computer at a later date.
  • After signing my individual e-file authorization forms, will I receive confirmation that it was successfully submitted?
    • Yes, once you sign your e-file authorization forms, you will receive an email stating it was successful. The email will also include a link to download a copy of your tax return for your records.
  • If I choose to print and sign my e-file authorization forms, do I need to print and send back the entire tax return?
    • No. You don’t need to print and mail your whole return. We only need Form 8879, which is the IRS e-file Signature Authorization, as well as any required state and/or city e-file authorization forms to complete the e-filing process.

Additional Questions/Troubleshooting

  • Will you return my source documents?
    • Yes! We will return your source documents in the mail. If you wish to pick up your source documents, call our office and we’ll have them ready for you.
  • What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?
    • Check your spam/junk email folder. You can also search your email for noreply(at)safesendreturns.com or noreply(at)safesend.com. If you do not receive your code within the 10-minute time limit, please request another code.
  • (1040 clients only) What if I fail answering my Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA) questions?
    • That’s okay. Simply click the Sign option on your dashboard. Then select the Print, Sign, and Return option and follow the instructions. Once the form has been signed, you may then scan and upload them into SafeSend, or you may send them to Weinstein Spira via fax or USPS mail.
  • Am I required to e-sign the e-file authorization forms?
    • No. If you prefer to manually sign, click the Sign option on your dashboard. Then select the Print, Sign, and Return option and follow the instructions. Once the forms have been signed, you may then scan and upload them into SafeSend, or you may send them to Weinstein Spira via fax or USPS mail.
  • Will I have to print and mail anything to the government?
    • In limited circumstances, you may need to print and mail information to government authorities. Common examples include tax and estimate payment vouchers and local income tax returns. If forms need to be printed and mailed, you will receive clear instructions. You will also be provided options to make tax payments electronically if you prefer not to mail payments.

Still have questions about SafeSend Returns? Contact us