SafeSend Return Instructions

Downloading your final return and/or partnership returns is simple

Below are instructions for both individual tax returns (Form 1040) as well as Schedule K-1 (if applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

SafeSend Returns

Watch the video or follow the instructions below to access your tax return, electronically sign, and make payments.

We use SafeSend returns for the following tax returns:

  • Individual Tax Returns
  • K-1 Partnership Returns

Follow the steps below and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions:

  1. You will receive an email message from noreply@safesendreturns.com or noreply@safesend.com
  2. There is a link at the bottom of the email to access your tax return – Click on the Link in the Email
  3. Click anywhere on the folder you see on your screen
  4. You’ll be asked to type in the last or first four digits of your social security or EIN number to verify your identity; click Continue
  5. Select Request Access Code (a one-time code will be sent to your email address or mobile device) and Enter the Access Code
  6. Click Continue and you will now see the main landing page of your return
  7. On the left you will see a summary of your return, overpayments applied, and payments due along with estimated payments for the coming year
  8. Select Click Here to Begin (green button)
  9. You will see a message from Dean Dorton; click Continue on the bottom right which will move you into reviewing your documents, filing instructions, tax return, and any attachments sent to you
  10. If you want to forward your tax return to someone click Forward a Copy of my Tax Documents and follow the instructions
  11. Once you review your documents, click Continue
  12. For Partnerships: If the return includes K-1s to be distributed, you have the option of emailing K-1s to the recipients. Simply enter their email address. You can come back to this screen to check the status to see if the recipient has received and/or accessed their K-1.
  13. For individuals: You will either select to electronically sign (e-sign) your documents or print, sign, and return the forms – we highly recommend electronically signing your documents in order to process your returns faster
  14. Electronically signing:
    • Enter your date of birth to verify your identify
    • Check the box that states you have reviewed your tax returns and plan to sign electronically
    • If it is a joint return, you will see your spouses’ name listed and a spot to enter your spouse’s email address (once you are finished signing, an email will be sent to your spouse to sign)
    • Click Continue
    • Complete the additional identity verification questions
    • Click the Start arrow at the top which will take you through signing in the appropriate spots; you can use the automatic generated signature or draw your signature; click Apply
    • Click Next to move down to the next signature field and click Signature each time you see it; your previous signature will be inserted
    • Once you finish signing, click Continue at the bottom right
    • The screen will give you one last chance to verify your spouse’s email (if applicable); click Continue
    • The next screen shows any payments that need to be made (if applicable) – Click on Each Payment to download the voucher (pay by check or money order) or pay online via each authority’s website (example: IRS)
    • You can select your preferences to be sent email reminders of when payments are due (if applicable)
    • Once you’ve finished with the process, select Done
    •  You can again view or download any of your documents and go back in the system to make payments

The Dean Dorton team will be notified as soon as you completely sign your returns and then we submit them to the proper taxing authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Contact Us

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

Yes! Email notifications regarding your return will come from noreply@safesendreturns.com or noreply@safesend.com

Will this work on any internet-connected device?

You can complete this process on any computer, smartphone, or tablet via a web browser.

Please note the following device capabilities for using SafeSend Returns:

Browsers:

  • Google Chrome – Full functionality
  • Apple Safari – Full functionality (must use version 11.3 or newer)
  • Firefox – Full functionality
  • Internet Explorer – No longer supported

Phones/Tablets:

  • iPhone/Android – Sign completed tax returns but cannot make payments, forward, or print
  • iPad/Tablet – Full functionality

Where do the identity verification questions come from?

The questions SafeSend Returns ask are knowledge-based questions pulled from government and credit sources.

You may be asked things like where you lived in a given year or when you bought your car or home. If you don’t remember the answers to questions, or answer incorrectly, you won’t be able to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s).

Instead, you can print, sign, and return your e-file authorization form(s).

Is it safe to enter my Social Security number?

Yes. SafeSend 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’re on a secure site.

What if I don’t receive an email with my access code?

Be sure to check your spam or junk email folders. If you don’t enter the code within the 10-minute time limit, simply request another access code. Look for an email coming from noreply@safesendreturns.com or noreply@safesend.com

How is SafeSend different from E-Filing?

SafeSend Returns allows you to electronically sign your e-file authorization form(s) electronically without having to print them off and mail or scan them back to us.

E-filing is the process of us, Dean Dorton, submitting your completed return to the IRS. Once you electronically sign your return via SafeSend we receive a notification and then we complete the tax return filing process for you, including submission to the IRS and any other authorities.

My spouse and I file our return jointly. How can we both sign the e-file authorization forms?

  • 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).
    • Then, an email link will send 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.
    • Then, the second spouse will receive the email link with identity verification questions specific to him/her, then sign the form(s).
  • If a couple shares an email address, the primary signer will first receive the link with identity verification questions specific to him/her.
    • After the primary signer signs the e-file authorization form(s), he/she can enter the shared email address again.
    • A new link will send to the second spouse with identity verification questions specific to him/her, then sign the form(s).

Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payments?

Yes. If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you’ll automatically receive an email reminder seven days before your payment is due.

After signing my e-file authorization form, will I receive confirmation that it was delivered to Dean Dorton?

Yes. Once you sign your e-file authorization form(s), you’ll 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, if you didn’t already do so.

Can I print and sign my e-file authorization form instead?

Yes you may, however for the fastest processing time we highly recommend electronically signing.

When you are in your SafeSend dashboard, click on Sign. You will then select the Print, Sign and Return option and follow the instructions. Once the form(s) has been signed, you may then scan and upload them into SafeSend, drop them at a Dean Dorton office, or mail them via USPS (Dean Dorton does not cover postage).

You do not need to print and mail your whole return. We only need Form 8879 which is the IRS e-file Signature Authorization, as well as any required state and/or city e-file authorization form(s) to complete the e-filing process.

Will you return my original documents if I gave hard-copies to you?

Yes. We will return your original documents in the mail. If you wish to pick up your documents instead, call our office and we’ll have them ready for you to pick up.