New Electronic Tax Return Delivery

System

As part of our effort to create a better client experience and streamline the e-signing and tax delivery process, DDK will now be using SafeSend Returns. SafeSend is a secure and easy program that allows our clients to receive, review, and e-sign their tax returns from their computer, tablet, and smartphone.

Easy 5-Step Electronic Tax Return Delivery Process

  1. You will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com. The DDK logo will appear in this email. 
  2. Click on the secure access link contained in the e-mail.
  3. Verify your identity by entering the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  4. Check your email for a unique Access Code. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folders.
  5. Congratulations! You now have access to your tax return. SafeSend Returns will walk you through the review and e-signature process with step-by-step instructions.

Video Walkthroughs of the Delivery Process:

Individual Client Tax Return Help

 

Entity Client Tax Return Help

  

Common Questions About our Tax Delivery System

Q: Is it safe to enter part of my Social Security Number?

A: 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.

Q: What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?

A: Check your spam/junk email folder. You can also search your email for noreply@safesendreturns.com.      Some email clients hide items they’ve labeled spam or junk, making certain emails difficult to find. If you do not receive your code within the 10-minute time limit, please request another code.

Q: Will this work on any internet-connected device? Does SafeSend Returns offer an app for my smartphone?

A: 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.

Q: I’d rather print and sign my e-file authorization form(s). Can I do that?

A: Yes - You can still print, sign and mail your e-file form(s) back to DDK if you’d prefer to do so.

Q: Will I have to print and mail anything to the government?

A: The only items you may need to print and mail out to government authorities is the tax and estimate payment vouchers. 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.

Q: My Spouse and I are filing our return jointly – How can we both sign the e-file authorization form(s)?

A: There are a couple of options:

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 form(s). First, one spouse will receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him/her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s), and an email link will be sent to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him/her, then sign the form(s).

If only one spouse has an email address on file, that spouse will first receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him/her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) 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 form(s), DDK 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/her. After the primary signer signs the e-file authorization form(s), he/she can then enter the shared email address again. A new link will be sent with identity verification questions specific to the second spouse.

Q: Where do the identity verification questions come from? What if I don’t remember the answers?

A: 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). You can instead print, sign and return your e-file authorization form(s) to DDK.

Q: How is this process different from e-filing?

A: SafeSend Returns allows you to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s), but it won't submit your return to the IRS. Once signed, DDK is automatically notified, and we will then complete the filing process for you, including submission to the IRS.

Q: Can I sign my dependent's individual return electronically?

A: DDK 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.

Q: Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payment?

A: If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder seven days before your payment is due.

Q: Will I receive a notification when my individual return is ready to sign?

A: Yes. Email notifications will be sent from DDK at noreply@safesendreturns.com. We recommend adding this email address to your safe list to prevent the email from getting filtered to spam/junk.

Q: After signing my individual e-file authorization form(s), will I receive confirmation that it was successfully submitted?

A: Yes, once you sign your e-file authorization form(s), 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.

 Client Portal Login           Secure File Exchange
   SafeSend Returns
Blog

Corporate Transparency Act and a Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule

Effective January 1, 2024, both U.S. and foreign entities conducting business in the U.S. may be required to disclose information about their beneficial owners to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This requirement is being implemented under the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting provisions of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) which was enacted by Congress in 2021.

For a comprehensive understanding of the BOI reporting requirements, we recommend reviewing the guidelines available here. Additionally, it is worth noting that New York State has passed a similar law imposing filing requirements and it is anticipated that other jurisdictions could consider the implementation of comparable legislation.

Executive Summary:

  • Passed by Congress in 2021, the Corporate Transparency Act creates a new beneficial ownership information reporting requirement as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to make it harder for bad actors to hide or benefit from their ill-gotten gains through shell companies or other opaque ownership structures. BOI refers to identifying information about the individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company.
  • Filing date requirements:
    • A reporting company created or registered to do business before January 1, 2024, will have until January 1, 2025, to file its initial beneficial ownership information report.
    • A reporting company created or registered on or after January 1, 2024, will have 90 days to file its initial beneficial ownership information report.
    • Any changes to the BOI requires an updated filing within 30 days after a change occurs, including something simple like an address change to an owner.
    • The penalties are substantial – Civil penalties up to $500 per day of violation, and Criminal Penalties up to $10,000/2 years of imprisonment
  • There are two types of reporting companies:
    • Domestic reporting companies are corporations, limited liability companies, and any other entities created by the filing of a document with a secretary of state or any similar office in the United States.
    • Foreign reporting companies are entities (including corporations and limited liability companies) formed under the law of a foreign country that have registered to do business in the United States by the filing of a document with a secretary of state or any similar office.
    • There are 23 types of entities that are exempt from reporting requirements and many of the exemptions depend on an entity’s legal status under various statutes. Companies must continue to monitor their exemption status to assess that they remain eligible for the exemption.
  • When a company has determined that it is an eligible reporting entity, then it must determine who are the beneficial owners. A reporting company can also be a trust or foundation depending on how it was created and related filings.
    • A beneficial owner is an individual who either directly or indirectly: (1) exercises substantial control (as defined in the regulations and does not need to be an owner) over the reporting company, or (2) owns or controls at least 25% of the reporting company’s ownership interests.
  • The Company will have to report information about its beneficial owners as well as the applicant. This information includes names, dates of birth, address and an identifying number and must also upload the image from that identifying document which must be non-expired, including State ID, US Driver’s License, or Passport.

What should responsible parties be considering now?

The new rules encompass legal obligations concerning who must file, exemptions from filing, and the timelines for reporting this information. Given that the data to be reported on the FinCEN form arises from determinations that are primarily of a legal nature, we strongly advise clients to collaborate with their legal counsel. This proactive approach will help in assessing filing obligations and implementing procedures related to the collection of pertinent ownership information in accordance with the new BOI reporting rules.

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