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

IRAs: Build a tax-favored retirement nest egg

Although traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs have been around for decades, the rules involved have changed many times. The Secure 2.0 law, which was enacted at the end of 2022, brought even more changes that made IRAs more advantageous for many taxpayers. What hasn’t changed is that they can help you save for retirement on a tax-favored basis. Here’s an overview of the basic rules and some of the recent changes.

Rules for traditional IRAs

You can make an annual deductible contribution to a traditional IRA if:

You (and your spouse) aren’t active participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans, or
You (or your spouse) are active participants in an employer plan, and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) doesn’t exceed certain levels that vary annually by filing status.
For example, in 2024, if you’re a joint return filer covered by an employer plan, your deductible IRA contribution phases out over $123,000 to $143,000 of MAGI ($77,000 to $87,000 for singles).

Deductible IRA contributions reduce your current tax bill, and earnings are tax deferred. However, withdrawals are taxed in full (and subject to a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½, unless one of several exceptions apply). Under the SECURE 2.0 law, you must now begin making minimum withdrawals by April 1 of the year following the year you turn age 73 (the age was 72 before 2023 and 70½ before 2020).

You can make an annual nondeductible IRA contribution without regard to employer plan coverage and your MAGI. The earnings in a nondeductible IRA are tax-deferred but taxed when distributed (and subject to a 10% penalty if taken early, unless an exception applies).

Nondeductible contributions aren’t taxed when withdrawn. If you’ve made deductible and nondeductible IRA contributions, a portion of each distribution is treated as coming from nontaxable IRA contributions (and the rest is taxed).

Amount you can sock away

The maximum annual IRA contribution (deductible or nondeductible, or a combination) is $7,000 for 2024 (up from $6,500 for 2023). If you are age 50 or over, you can make a $1,000 “catch-up contribution” for 2024 (unchanged from 2023). Additionally, your contribution can’t exceed the amount of your compensation includible in income for that year.

Rules for Roth IRAs

You can make an annual contribution to a Roth IRA if your income doesn’t exceed certain levels based on filing status. For example, in 2024, if you’re a joint return filer, the maximum annual Roth IRA contribution phases out over $230,000 to $240,000 of MAGI ($146,000 to $161,000 for singles). Annual Roth contributions can be made up to the amount allowed as a contribution to a traditional IRA, reduced by the amount you contribute for the year to non-Roth IRAs, but not reduced by contributions to a SEP or SIMPLE plan.

Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible. However, earnings are tax-deferred and (unlike a traditional IRA) withdrawals are tax-free if paid out:

After a five-year period that begins with the first year for which you made a contribution to a Roth IRA, and
Once you reach age 59½, or upon death or disability, or for first-time home-buyer expenses of you, your spouse, child, grandchild, or ancestor (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit).
You don’t have to take required minimum distributions from a Roth IRA. You can “roll over” (or convert) a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of your income. The amount taken out of the traditional IRA and rolled into the Roth IRA is treated for tax purposes as a regular withdrawal (but not subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty).

There’s currently no age limit for making regular contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA, as long as you have compensation income. Contact us if you have questions about IRAs.

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