SafeSend Returns for Tax Return Delivery

Porte Brown Is Now Paperless!

Porte Brown is pleased to offer SafeSend Returns to our clients as a secure, electronic tax return delivery system. The client-friendly interface walks you through a guided process that includes on-screen review of your return, collecting IRS-compliant e-signatures on e-file authorization forms, and options for making tax payments. Then, SafeSend Returns automatically sends the form(s) back to Porte Brown.

Benefits of using SafeSend Returns as our electronic delivery process:

• 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), no printing or mailing necessary
• Receive payment reminder e-mails
• Download a copy of your tax return
• For businesses, conveniently distribute your K-1s electronically

How Does the SafeSend Returns Process Work?

1. You will receive an email from Porte Brown with a “from” address of noreply@safesendreturns.com. To prevent it from being categorized as spam, add this e-mail address to your safe list.
2. The email will contain a safe link for you to access your tax return.
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.
4. SafeSend will email or text you an access code to further verify your identity. For emailed codes, check your spam or junk folders if you do not receive the in your inbox. You must enter the code within 20 minutes of receipt. If you do not enter the code within 20 minutes, you can request another.
5. When you are ready to sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will be asked three simple questions to verify your identity.
6. Once you have signed the e-file authorization form(s), Porte Brown will be notified and will complete the rest of the e-filing process.

1040 Client Experience

Entity Taxpayer Experience with K1 Distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Email notifications will be sent from Porte Brown 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 can also search your email for “noreply@safesendreturns.com.”

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 Porte Brown

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. You can download and print your return from a computer. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you'll can review and e-sign your return package but may not be able to print it. Please use a laptop or desktop computer for the best printing experience.

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, Porte Brown 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).

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?

Porte Brown We will deliver your dependent’s return via SafeSend Returns, however, due to the knowledge-based identification requirements of the IRS, a minor dependent may not qualify, so you will need to manually sign and return your dependent’s e-file authorization form.

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 Porte Brown 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.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Joanna Porter at 847-956-1040.