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

3 types of retirement plans for growing businesses

When start-ups launch, their focus is often on tightly controlling expenses. Most need to establish a brand and some semblance of stability before funding anything other than essential operating activities.

For companies that make it past that tenuous initial stage, there comes a time when they must loosen up the purse strings and start investing in, among other things, their employees. One way to do so is to sponsor a retirement plan. Offering this fringe benefit lets staff know the business cares about them and their financial futures.

Has your company reached this point? Or is it almost there? If so, let’s review three of the most popular plan types that growing businesses should consider.

1. Traditional 401(k) plans

These are available to any employer with one or more employees. Under the plan, participants are given accounts that they own. This means their contributions are immediately vested, and they retain ownership even if they leave their jobs. Participants typically contribute via pretax payroll deductions, which reduce their taxable income. Distributions, however, are taxable.

For 2025, 401(k) participants can contribute up to $23,500 (up from $23,000 in 2024). Those age 50 or older by the end of the year can make additional “catch-up” contributions of $7,500 (the same amount as in 2024). Your business may also opt to contribute to participants’ accounts under a vesting schedule of your choosing. In 2025, the total combined limit for employee and employer contributions is $70,000. Within limits, your company can deduct contributions made on behalf of eligible employees.

Many companies’ plans now have Roth 401(k) features. This means participants can choose to make some contributions with compensation that’s already been taxed. The upside is that qualified distributions are tax-free.

Establishing a 401(k) plan typically requires, among other steps, adopting a written plan and arranging a trust fund for plan assets. Annually, employers must file Form 5500 and perform discrimination testing to ensure the plan doesn’t favor highly compensated employees. However, with a “safe harbor” 401(k), the plan isn’t subject to discrimination testing. There are also several other 401(k) variations worth considering.

2. SEP-IRAs

If choosing a 401(k) plan and administering it seems a bit overwhelming, there are simpler options. Case in point: Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Accounts (SEP-IRAs). Businesses of any size can establish a plan to offer these accounts by completing Form 5305-SEP, “Simplified Employee Pension — Individual Retirement Accounts Contribution Agreement.” But there’s no annual filing requirement.

From there, you set up and wholly fund a SEP-IRA for each participant. Employer contributions immediately vest with participants, who own their respective accounts. What’s nice is you can decide each year whether and how much to contribute. In 2025, contribution limits will be 25% of an employee’s compensation, up to $70,000 (up from $69,000 in 2024).

3. SIMPLE IRAs

Another less complex approach is sponsoring Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRAs. However, only businesses with 100 or fewer employees can offer them.

Like SEP-IRAs, these are accounts you set up for each participant. They may choose to contribute to their SIMPLE IRAs but don’t have to. Employer contributions are required, but you can opt to either:

  • Match employee contributions up to 3% of compensation, which can be reduced to as low as 1% in two of five years, or
  • Make a 2% nonelective contribution, including to employees who don’t contribute.

Participants are immediately 100% vested in contributions, whether those funds come from you or their own paychecks. The contribution limit in 2025 will be $16,500 (up from $16,000 in 2024).

Many options

To be clear, these are but three options among many different retirement plan types that growing businesses can sponsor for their employees. Our firm can help you weigh the pros and cons of all of them, including forecasting the costs involved and understanding the tax implications.

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