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

Treasury issues final rules to block state workarounds to SALT deduction cap

In 2018, in one of our previous Tax alerts, we had informed that the Treasury and the IRS was clamping down and preparing final regulations that would address the various state workarounds for state and local tax (SALT) deductions limitation mainly by setting up charitable entities. The Tax cut and Jobs Act passed in late 2017, limited the amount of state and local taxes, also known as the SALT deductions, which can be deducted on an individual’s federal taxes to $10,000 a year. This aggravated many high-tax states like New York, New Jersey and California, who were able to deduct much more than the $10,000 limit. Further, some states tried to bypass this by enabling taxpayers to donate to charity funds in return for tax credits against their state and local taxes. Taxpayers could then deduct their donations as charitable contributions on federal taxes, lessening their broader tax burden. Final regulations on charitable contributions and State and Local Tax credits was released by the Treasury and the IRS on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

The final regulations, which apply to contributions made after Aug. 27, 2018, and are effective on Aug. 12, 2019, largely adopt the rules in the proposed regulations. Under the final regulations, a taxpayer making payments to an entity eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions must reduce the federal charitable contribution deduction by the amount of any state or local tax credit that the taxpayer receives or expects to receive in return. The regulations also apply to payments made by trusts or decedents’ estates in determining the amount of their charitable contribution deductions.

For example, if a state grants a 70 percent state tax credit pursuant to a state tax credit program, and an itemizing taxpayer contributes $1,000 pursuant to that program, the taxpayer receives a $700 state tax credit. A taxpayer who itemizes deductions must reduce the $1,000 federal charitable contribution deduction by the $700 state tax credit, leaving a federal charitable contribution deduction of $300.

The regulations provide exceptions for dollar-for-dollar state tax deductions and for tax credits of no more than 15 percent of the amount transferred. Thus, a taxpayer who receives a state tax deduction of $1,000 for a contribution of $1,000 is not required to reduce the federal charitable contribution deduction to take into account the state tax deduction; and a taxpayer who makes a $1,000 contribution is not required to reduce the $1,000 federal charitable contribution deduction if the state or local tax credit received or expected to be received is no more than $150.
The IRS also posted a notice (Notice 2019-12<https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-19-12.pdf>) providing a safe harbor that allows an individual who itemizes deductions to treat, in certain circumstances, payments that are or will be disallowed as charitable contribution deductions under the final regulations as state or local taxes for federal income tax purposes. Eligible taxpayers can use the safe harbor to determine their state and local tax (SALT) deduction on their tax-year 2018 return.
Those who have already filed may be able to claim a greater SALT deduction by filing an amended return, Form 1040X<https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x>, if they have not already claimed the $10,000 maximum amount ($5,000 if married filing separately).

The Treasury Department and the IRS continue to consider issuing future guidance on a number of issues raised by commenters.

 

If you have any questions regarding this guidance in the new regulation, contact your DDK tax advisor.

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