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
You will receive an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com. The DDK logo will appear in this email.
Click on the secure access link contained in the e-mail.
Verify your identity by entering the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Check your email for a unique Access Code. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk folders.
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.
Many Americans receive disability income. You may wonder if — and how — it’s taxed. As is often the case with tax questions, the answer is … it depends.
The key factor is who paid for the benefit. If the income is paid directly to you by your employer, it’s taxable to you as ordinary salary would be. (Taxable benefits are also subject to federal income tax withholding, although depending on the employer’s disability plan, in some cases aren’t subject to the Social Security tax.)
Frequently, the payments aren’t made by the employer but by an insurance company under a policy providing disability coverage or, under an arrangement having the effect of accident or health insurance. If this is the case, the tax treatment depends on who paid for the coverage. If your employer paid for it, then the income is taxed to you just as if paid directly to you by the employer. On the other hand, if it’s a policy you paid for, the payments you receive under it aren’t taxable.
Even if your employer arranges for the coverage, (in other words, it’s a policy made available to you at work), the benefits aren’t taxed to you if you pay the premiums. For these purposes, if the premiums are paid by the employer but the amount paid is included as part of your taxable income from work, the premiums are treated as paid by you.
A Couple of Examples
Let’s say your salary is $1,000 a week ($52,000 a year). Additionally, under a disability insurance arrangement made available to you by your employer, $10 a week ($520 for the year) is paid on your behalf by your employer to an insurance company. You include $52,520 in income as your wages for the year: the $52,000 paid to you plus the $520 in disability insurance premiums. In this case, the insurance is treated as paid for by you. If you become disabled and receive benefits, they aren’t taxable income to you.
Now, let’s look at an example with the same facts as above. Except in this case, you include only $52,000 in income as your wages for the year because the amount paid for the insurance coverage qualifies as excludable under the rules for employer-provided health and accident plans. In this case, the insurance is treated as paid for by your employer. If you become disabled and receive benefits, they are taxable income to you.
Note: There are special rules in the case of a permanent loss (or loss of the use) of a part or function of the body, or a permanent disfigurement.
Social Security Benefits
This discussion doesn’t cover the tax treatment of Social Security disability benefits. These benefits may be taxed to you under different rules.
How Much Coverage is Needed?
In deciding how much disability coverage you need to protect yourself and your family, take the tax treatment into consideration. If you’re buying the policy yourself, you only have to replace your after tax, “take-home” income because your benefits won’t be taxed. On the other hand, if your employer pays for the benefit, you’ll lose a percentage to taxes. If your current coverage is insufficient, you may wish to supplement an employer benefit with a policy you take out.
We can help
If you have any questions or concerns regarding disability income and how it is taxed, don’t hesitate to contact your DDK Tax Advisor for any further assistance!
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