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

Riding the tax break train: Maximizing employee transportation fringe benefits

There are some nice tax breaks for transportation-related employee fringe benefits. If your employer offers these tax-favored fringes, you should probably take advantage of them by signing up. Here’s a quick summary of the current federal tax treatment of transportation-related benefits.

Mass transit pass

For 2025, employer-provided mass transit passes for train, subway and bus systems are tax-free to a recipient employee up to a monthly limit of $325. Thanks to an unfavorable change in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), your company can’t deduct the cost of this benefit. However, your company may offer a salary-reduction arrangement that allows you to set aside up to $325 per month from your salary to pay for transit passes with your own money. That way, you pay for the passes with before-tax dollars.

For example, let’s say you set aside the maximum $325 per month to pay for train passes. If you’re in the 24% federal income tax bracket, you could save $993 a year in federal income and Medicare taxes. If Social Security tax is being withheld from your paychecks, you could save $1,235.

Parking allowances

For 2025, employer-provided parking allowances are also tax-free up to a monthly limit of $325. You can be given this fringe on top of the tax-free $325 a month for transit passes. For example, you can get $325 per month to pay for the train, plus another $325 to pay the park-and-ride fee at the station. Or you can simply drive to work and get $325 in tax-free bucks to help cover parking near your office or worksite.

Van pooling

For 2025, an employer can provide employees with tax-free transportation of up to $325 per month in a commuter highway vehicle if the transportation is for travel between employee residences and the workplace. This arrangement is often called van pooling.

To be a commuter highway vehicle, the vehicle must meet the following conditions:

1. It has a seating capacity of at least six adults (not including the driver),
2. At least 80% of the mileage is reasonably expected to be for transporting employees between their residences and their workplace, and
3. It’s used for such trips during which the number of employees transported is at least 50% of the adult seating capacity (not including the driver).

Your company cannot deduct the cost of this benefit. But as explained earlier, the company may offer a salary-reduction arrangement that allows you to set aside up to $325 per month to cover van pooling. That way, you pay with before-tax dollars, which will cut your tax bill.

Job-related moving expenses

Your company may give employees allowances to cover job-related relocation expenses. Through 2025, the TCJA generally doesn’t allow tax-free treatment for these allowances. The exception is when the employee is on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and the move is pursuant to a military order involving a permanent change of station.

While companies can deduct the benefit provided, employees are responsible for the taxable benefit. However, you still come out ahead, as you won’t have to cover the expenses with after-tax dollars. A taxable benefit is better than no benefit at all!

We can help

If your company pays for these tax-free transportation-related fringe benefits, you should strongly consider signing up. Saving on commuting costs can make your trips to work less stressful. Contact a DDK Tax Advisor if you have questions about these benefits or want more information.

Back To Top