Introducing SafeSend Returns for Tax Return Delivery

We are pleased to offer SafeSend Returns to our clients as our secure, electronic tax return delivery system. The client-friendly interface walks you through a guided process that includes on-screen review of your return, collecting IRS-compliant e-signatures on e-file authorization forms, and options for making tax payments. Then, SafeSend Returns automatically sends the form(s) back to H&S Companies.

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Benefits of Using SafeSend Returns

  • Receive your tax returns securely without the need to setup an account or remember a password
  • Accessible across all platforms: computer, smartphone, or tablet
  • Electronically sign your federal and state e-file authorizations (8879), no printing or mailing necessary
  • Receive payment reminder e-mails
  • Download a copy of your tax return
  • For businesses, conveniently distribute your K-1s electronically

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How it Works

  1. You will receive an email from H&S Companies with a “from” address of noreply@safesendreturns.com.
  2. The email will contain a safe link for you to access your tax return.
  3. After clicking on the link, you will be asked to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number to review your return.
  4. SafeSend will email or text you an access code to further verify your identity. For emailed codes, check your spam or junk folders if you do not receive the email in your inbox. You must enter the code within 20 minutes of receipt. If you do not enter the code within 20 minutes, you can request another.
  5. When you are ready to sign your e-file authorization form(s), you will be asked a series of simple questions to verify your identity.
  6. Once you have signed the e-file authorization form(s), H&S Companies will be notified and will complete the rest of the e-filing process.

Click here for a 1040 Client Experience Tutorial

Click here for an Entity Client Experience Tutorial with K-1 Distribution

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: Yes. Email notifications will be sent from H&S Companies at noreply@safesendreturns.com. To prevent the email from getting filtered to spam/junk, we recommend adding this email addresses to your safe list.

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. If you do not receive your code within the 20-minute time limit, please request another. You can also search your email for “noreply@safesendreturns.com.”

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 H&S Companies.

Q: Will this work on any internet-connected device? Does SafeSend Returns offer an app for my smartphone?

A: This process can be completed on any computer, smart phone, or tablet via a web browser. There is currently no SafeSend Returns app available. The recommended browser to use is Google Chrome.

Q: Will I have the option to download and print my return to retain for my records?

A: Yes. You can download and print your return from a computer. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, you can review and e-sign your return package but may not be able to print it. Please use a laptop or desktop computer for the best printing experience.

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, H&S Companies will be automatically notified, and will then complete the e-filing process for you, including submission to the IRS.

Q: My spouse and I file our return jointly. How can we both sign the e-file authorization form(s)?

A: For spouses filing jointly, there are a few ways to sign via SafeSend Returns:

  1. If both spouses have an email address on file, each 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 or her. He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and confirm the other spouse’s email address, which will send an email link to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him or her, and then sign the form(s). Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), H&S Companies will be automatically notified.
  2. If only one spouse has an email address on file, he or she will receive an email with a link to view the return and sign the e-file authorization form(s). He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and provide the other spouse’s email address, which will send an email link to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him or her, and then sign the form(s). Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), H&S Companies will be automatically notified.
  3. If only one spouse has an email address on file, he or she will receive an email with a link to view the return and sign the e-file authorization form(s). He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and provide the other spouse’s email address, which will send an email link to the second spouse. The second spouse will answer identity verification questions specific to him or her, and then sign the form(s). Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), H&S Companies will be automatically notified.
  4. If a couple shares an email address, the initial recipient will receive an email with a Subject line that denotes who the link is being sent to for the respective individual to view the return and sign the e-file authorization form(s). He or she will sign the e-file authorization form(s) and provide the other spouse’s email address (same as used for initial delivery), which will send an email link to the second spouse that includes the respective signer’s name in the Subject line. Once the second spouse electronically signs the e-file authorization form(s), H&S Companies will be automatically notified.

Q: Can I sign my dependent’s return electronically?

A: We will deliver your dependent’s return via SafeSend Returns; however, due to the knowledge-based authentication requirements of the IRS, a minor dependent may not qualify. In those instances, you will need to manually sign and return your dependent’s e-file authorization form.

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 H&S Companies if you’d prefer to do so.

Q: After signing my e-file authorization form(s), will I receive confirmation that it was successfully submitted to the firm?

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.

Q: Can I set up reminders for my quarterly estimated payment(s)?

A: If estimated payments are included in your review copy, you will automatically receive an email reminder before your payment is due.

Q: How do I access and/or print my tax payment voucher(s)?

A: Follow the below link with more detail on accessing payment vouchers and remitting payments due.

Client Experience: Make Voucher Payments – SafeSend Returns (zendesk.com)

For More Assistance

If you have additional questions regarding SafeSend Returns, please contact the H&S office you are serviced out of.

H&S Annual Tax Packet

Happy New Year from all of us at H&S! We hope your 2024 is off to a great start!

As you know, tax season is upon us! This past year, H&S celebrated its 40th year in business, and as we head into the New Year and tax season, we continue to be grateful for all our clients that have made the past 40 years possible. While it is a busy time of year for accountants, we always look forward to the opportunity to serve our clients and we thank you for your continued business and support!

Here you will find links to our annual tax questionnaire to assist you with collecting necessary tax documents and confirming relevant figures required to complete your 2023 tax return. To ensure that we completely and accurately prepare your tax return this year, please click here to complete a questionnaire and return it to us with your tax documents. Also below is a summary of key changes in 2023 that may impact your tax position in comparison to 2022. You can also stay up to date on tax law changes and planning opportunities throughout the year by signing up for our monthly newsletters at on our website or by following us on social media.

Please note that we have made some adjustments to our tax return processes. The public accounting industry is renowned for grueling hours during tax season and has been facing a talent shortage in recent years. While many other accounting firms are turning clients away and reducing the number of services they provide, we are committed to continuing to service the communities we live and work in, as well as focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining top tier talent. In order to maintain our high quality standards and keep pricing in line with industry averages, we have been focused on refining our processes. We appreciate your cooperation and ask for understanding with the following changes:

  1. We are committed to reviewing your tax returns for accuracy and for identifying planning opportunities to reduce your tax liability. This means we will have limited ability to have in-person meetings during tax season, but we would love to plan to meet with you outside of tax season to discuss how we can reduce your lifetime tax liability! As such, we ask for this tax season that you please send us all your documents and workpapers, along with any specific questions or concerns that you may have, and we will provide everything to your team of tax professionals to begin the preparation of your tax return.
  2. Please provide all of your information, completed questionnaire, and tax documents at one time, preferably in a digital format (Excel or PDF) as soon as they are available. For your convenience, we have invested in a secure portal to upload your documents on our website using our “Client Tools.” If you are not able to provide electronic copies, we are still able to accommodate collecting paper copies.
  3. Receiving tax documents shortly before the April 15th deadline places a tremendous strain on our team during an already busy season. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our team members and ask that you understand that if all requested tax documentation is not received by Friday, March 22nd, we may have to file an extension and file your return after April 15th. If this occurs, we will provide you with an estimated payment voucher to remit payment by April 15th, as necessary.
  4. Once your return is completed, your tax professional will contact you to summarize your return and discuss any questions that arise. We are very excited to announce that this year we have invested in technology to securely and seamlessly deliver your tax returns electronically through SafeSend (additional information linked here). Please provide your preferred email address for communication on the enclosed questionnaire to facilitate this process.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we implement these new processes and ask that you please be kind to our team members that will be working tirelessly to continue to serve you.

We look forward to helping you soon,

H&S Companies

Tax Questionnaire   SafeSend   Important Facts & Figures

H&S Client Survey

This year H&S celebrates 40 years in business! It’s clients like you that have contributed to our success, and we want to hear from you. Please fill out a short survey to let us know how we’re doing and how we can improve. Once completed, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $40 VISA gift card (40 winners), or a $400 VISA gift card (one winner). You must enter your name and email to be entered. Thank you for your time, we value your opinion!

Click here to take the survey!

Master the Markets in May

Learn all about the markets in May! Next in our virtual seminar series are two seminars, given by industry experts… A Global Market Update and a Guide to the Markets!

Click here to RSVP!

Global Market Update

 Ted Truscott, Columbia Threadneedle Investments
 Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to attend a virtual presentation. The event is complimentary. 
Tuesday, May 2nd from 4:00 – 5:00 pm EST
Ted Truscott is the Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a leading global asset manager that provides a broad range of actively managed investment strategies and solutions for individual, institutional, and corporate clients around the world, will be giving us a Global Market Update.

Guide to the Markets

 Stephen Bernhardt, JP Morgan Asset Management, Vice President
 HS&C Wealth Management
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to attend a virtual presentation. The event is complimentary. 
Monday, May 15 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm EST
During this complimentary session, we’ll share insights on today’s most critical economic and investment topics. We’ll discuss:

  • Current economic landscape and outlook for the current year
  • Key drivers and trends taking place in the markets

Governor Whitmer signs legislation phasing out retirement tax & raising working families tax credit

Check out our recap of the recently signed legislation that will phase out the state’s retirement tax over four years, as well as raise the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit to match the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Click the image below to learn more.

Click the image to download a PDF.

Congrats to our Muskegon Office!

We are proud to announce that our H&S Muskegon office has recently won a Service Excellence Award at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Business Excellence Award Ceremony.

Check out the video below and learn more about what it means to be an H&S client :)

Estate Planning 101 Virtual Seminar

Next up in our Virtual Seminar Series is: Estate Planning 101
Our friends at Alles Law will be discussing how to plan with purpose, provide education on the right plan for you and your family, and review all the legal tools available. Get your questions answered by the experts.
RSVP and learn more by clicking the link below:

Receiving an Earned Income Tax Credit for 2022?

Did you know that proposed changes to the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) could result in a 5x increase to your state tax credit for 2022, if enacted as proposed? We encourage you to ask one of our tax professionals what this might mean for you!

Head to our H&S Locations page for contact information for all of our offices.

Questions on the changes related to R&D costs?

Changes to the deductibility of research and development expenses may significantly impact companies’ tax liabilities for tax year 2022. We break down what is changing, who it applies to, and next steps if you think you may be affected. Click the image to download the PDF for more details!

Click the image above for a downloadable PDF.

 

Why your refund might be lower this year…

During 2020 and 2021, there were several favorable benefits available to taxpayers that are now no longer applicable in 2022. As such, the changes to these tax rules may impact your overall tax liability and refund this year. Click on the image below for a table that summarizes these changes in 2022 in comparison to prior years, and details what the anticipated impact may be to you.

Click the image above to download the PDF.