Safesend returns
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Nichols & Company, CPAs is excited to introduce SafeSend Returns™ as our secure, intuitive, and guided online client experience for signing and storing your tax returns!
This secure client-friendly interface walks you through a guided process that includes on-screen review of your return, collecting IRS-compliant e-file authorizations, and options for making tax payments. Then, SafeSend Returns automatically sends your required form(s) back to N&Co.
Benefits of Using SafeSend Returns
Receive your tax returns securely without the need to setup an account or remember a password
Accessible across all platforms: computer, smartphone, or tablet
Electronically sign your federal and state e-file authorizations (8879); printing/mailing only necessary for City returns (if applicable)
Receive payment reminder e-mails
Download a copy of your tax return
For Businesses: conveniently distribute your K-1s electronically
How it Works
Step 1: Once your tax return is complete, you will receive an email from Nichols & Company with a “from” address of noreply@safesendreturns.com.
Step 2: The email will contain a safe link for you to access your tax return.
Step 3: After clicking on the link, you will be asked to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number to review your return.
Step 4: SafeSend will email or text you an access code to further verify your identity.
Step 5: When you are ready to sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will be asked three simple questions to verify your identity.
Step 6: Once you have signed the e-file authorization form(s), Nichols & Company will be notified and will complete the rest of the e-filing process.
SafeSend FAQs
How will I know my return is ready to sign?
When your return is complete, you will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com notifying you that your return has been sent. This email will include information on how to access your return.
What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?
First, check your email’s junk or spam folder. If you can’t locate it there, try searching your email for noreply@safesendreturns.com. Sometimes email accounts hide items they’ve labeled spam or junk, which can make them difficult to find. If you don’t receive your access code email within the 20-minute time limit, please request another code.
Will SafeSend Returns work on any device with an internet connection? Is there a SafeSend Returns app?
There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available, but the signature process can be completed on any computer, smartphone, or tablet using a web browser, as long as you’re connected to the internet.
Which Internet browser works best?
For best results, we recommend using Google Chrome rather than Microsoft Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer.
Why won't items load?
If you run into issues with items not loading, follow these steps:
- Make sure you’re using Google Chrome (rather than Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer).
- If the loading issue continues in Google Chrome, try clearing your cached images. To do this:
- Click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner ()
- Select “More tools”
- Click “Clear browser data”
- Use the “Basic” tab
- In the Time Range drop-down menu, select “All time”
- Make sure to check the “Cached images and files” option
- Click “Clear data”
Do I have the option to download and print my tax return to keep for my records?
Yes! However, if you’re using a tablet or smartphone, you might not be able to download and print your return while you’re reviewing and electronically signing. Don’t worry though—you can always download and print your return from your personal computer later. SafeSend Returns securely stores your documents for you to access for 7 years.
Quarterly estimated payments: am I able to set up reminders?
If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder seven days before your payment is due.
My source documents: what happens to them?
Any source documents submitted to us on paper will be scanned and uploaded to your SafeSend portal.
Is it safe to enter part of my Social Security Number?
Yes. SafeSend Returns uses a secure system for you to view and sign your e-file authorization form(s). To confirm you’re using a secure website, look for the S in HTTPS:// at the beginning of the site URL. The S stands for secure. Similarly, a locked padlock symbol in your browser’s URL bar lets you know you’re using a secure site.
How do I sign up?
If you are ready to fully commit to digital delivery of your tax returns this year, please complete the sign-up form at the bottom of this page!
Where do the identity verification questions come from? What if I don’t know or can’t remember the answers?
The identity verification questions are pulled from your public records originating with government and credit sources. Example question topics could include where you lived in a specific year or when you bought a vehicle or piece of property. If the questions do not apply to you, choose the answer that lets SafeSend Returns know the question isn’t applicable. If you don’t know the answers to the questions or answer incorrectly, you won’t be able to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s). If this happens, you can print, sign, and then upload your e-file authorization forms to Nichols & Company through SafeSend.
Is SafeSend Returns different from e-filing?
Yes. SafeSend Returns allows you to electronically sign your individual e-file authorization form(s), which grant permission for your tax return to be e-filed. However, it does NOT actually file your return with the IRS. Once you’ve signed through SafeSend Returns, Nichols & Company is automatically notified and will complete the filing process for you, including submission to the IRS.
My spouse and I file our individual return jointly: are we both able to e-sign the e-file authorization form(s)?
There are three ways to sign using SafeSend Returns for spouses who file jointly:
o If you and your spouse both have email addresses on file, you’ll both receive messages with links to see your tax return and sign the appropriate e-file authorization paperwork. You won’t receive the emails simultaneously. One spouse will receive a link with identity verification questions specific to him or her. After successfully answering the questions and signing the e-file authorization form(s), he or she will be asked to input their spouse’s email address. After that, your spouse will receive an email and follow the same process of answering verification questions and then signing the appropriate form(s).
o What if only one of us has an email address on file? The taxpayer with an email on file will receive the link with questions to verify his or her identity. After signing the e-file authorization form(s), that person will be asked to enter their spouse’s email address. The spouse will then receive an email with a link and specific verification questions. Once your spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), Nichols & Company will be notified that signing is complete and will begin the submission process with the IRS.
o What if we share an email address? The primary taxpayer will receive a link with verification questions first. After this person has signed the e-file authorization paperwork, they can re-enter the shared email address again. This will generate a new link that will be emailed to your spouse to verify his or her identity and then also sign the e-file authorization forms.
My dependent's individual return: am I able to sign it electronically for him or her?
Your dependent’s return also will be delivered using SafeSend Returns. Every taxpayer must answer identity verification questions that are generated from government and credit sources. Some dependents may not have enough government and financial data available for identity verification questions to be generated. As a result, you may not be able to complete the e-signature successfully for your dependent.
If this is the case, your dependent will be able to download, print and sign their paper forms, then scan and upload the signed copy to SafeSend Returns. Signed forms can also be mailed or faxed to Nichols & Company as well.
I’d prefer to print and sign my individual e-file authorization form(s). Can I do that?
Signing electronically is a way to save you time and provide extra convenience. If you prefer to print and sign your e-file form(s), you will need to then upload your signed forms through SafeSend.
Will I receive confirmation that my individual e-file authorization form(s) were submitted successfully?
Yes. Once you sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will receive an email confirming successful submission to Nichols & Company. The email also will include a link to download a copy of your tax return to keep for your records.
Will I need to print and mail anything to the government?
In some circumstances, you may need to print and mail information to certain government authorities. Some common examples include tax and estimate payment vouchers, and local (city) income tax returns. If forms need to be printed and mailed, you will receive clear instructions on what you need to do. If you prefer not to mail payments, you’ll be provided with online links within SafeSend Returns to make your tax payments electronically.
How do I track my refund?
If you are scheduled to receive a refund from the IRS and/or state(s), you can use these tools to track your refund: