Utilizing Technology Solutions to Better Serve Your Needs
Introducing SafeSend Returns®, the only electronic system that automates the Assembly, Delivery, Tracking, and Receipt of Tax Returns.
The Benefits of SafeSend Returns
RECEIVE YOUR TAX RETURNS SECURELY AND WITH EASE: SafeSend Returns allows us to deliver your return securely and walks you through the steps of downloading and saving the PDF of your tax return to your device or you can receive your tax return via secure email.
FOR INDIVIDUALS: SafeSend Returns saves you time and allows you to e-sign your 8879, receive estimated tax reminder emails, and pay your taxes and your invoice directly from your device.
FOR BUSINESSES: SafeSend Returns allows you to download, sign and conveniently distribute K-1’s electronically. Not to mention the time it saves you, so you can focus on what really matters, your business!
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE: SafeSend Returns is just another way to go green, no more ink, postage or paper which is great for the planet which makes it great for you and future generations to come.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: With SafeSend Returns you can access your return at any time plus it is very easy to use!
The Process for individual
Receive an email from Faulk & Winkler, LLC at noreply@safesendreturns.com. Add this email address to your safe list to prevent it from being categorized as spam or junk.
Click on the safe link to access your tax return. Select “request access code.” Then enter the access code you receive via email into the required field.
Answer the identity verification questions to review and complete your return.
Electronically sign and return your e-File Authorization Form (Form 8879).
The Process for business and trust
Receive an email from Faulk & Winkler, LLC at noreply@safesendreturns.com. Add this email address to your safe list to prevent it from being categorized as spam or junk.
Click on the safe link to access your tax return.
Select “request access code.” Then enter the access code you receive via email into the required field.
Review and download your documents and distribute K1s (if applicable).
After printing and signing your e-file forms, submit them through SafeSend Returns or mail them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive a notification when my return is ready to sign?
Yes. Email notifications will be sent from Faulk & Winkler at noreply@safesendreturns.com. To prevent the email from getting filtered to spam/junk, we recommend adding these email addresses to your safe list.
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.
What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?
Check your spam/junk email folder. If you do not receive your code within the 20-minute time limit, please request another. You might also search your email for noreply@safesendreturns.com. Some emails hide junk items very well.
Where do the identity verification questions come from? What if I don’t remember the answers?
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 Faulk & Winkler.
Will this work on any internet-connected device? Does SafeSend Returns offer an app for my smartphone?
This process can be completed on any computer, smart phone or tablet via a web browser. There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available.
Will I have the option to download and print my return to retain for my records?
Yes. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you may not be able to download and print your return, but you'll be able to review and e-sign it. You can always download and print your return from a computer at a later date.
How is this process different from e-filing?
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, Faulk & Winkler is automatically notified, and we will then complete the filing process for you, including submission to the IRS.
My spouse and I file our return jointly. how can we both sign the e-file authorization form(s)?
For spouses filing jointly, there are a few 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 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 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 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), Faulk & Winkler 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.
Can I sign my dependent's return electronically?
Faulk & Winkler will deliver your dependent’s return using SafeSend Returns. However, most dependents may not have sufficient government and financial data available to successfully complete the electronic signature process. Therefore, Faulk & Winkler will generally deliver those returns in a manner set up for manual signature. The intended forms will require you to return it through SafeSend Returns.
I’d rather print and sign my e-file authorization form(s). Can I do that?
Yes - You can still print, sign, and mail your e-file form(s) back to Faulk & Winkler if you’d prefer to do so.
After signing my e-file authorization form(s), will I receive confirmation that it was successfully submitted?
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.
Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payment?
If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder 7 days before your payment is due.
Will I have to print and mail anything to the government?
The only items you may need to print and mail out to government authorities is the tax and estimate payment vouchers. You will also be provided options to make tax payments electronically if you prefer not to mail payments.