January 7, 2025
SafeSend: Navigation Guide
What is SafeSend?
SafeSend is a one-stop shop for engagement letters, fillable organizers, secure source document gathering, tax return assembly and delivery with eSign.
Client Benefits:
- Secure access without a password
- Digital, fillable organizers
- Secure source document upload
- Tax return summary display
- Automated eSign and payment reminders
- Electronic K-1 distribution
How will I receive my electronic engagement letter and tax organizer?
You will receive an email from [email protected] with the subject line “Action Required: Please Complete Your 2024 Gather Request for Greenwood Ohlund, PS.”
Do I have to set up an account with SafeSend to access my engagement letter and tax organizer?
No username or password is required! If you’d like to bypass setting up an account, choose “Let’s Get Started” instead of “Access Client Portal.”
What is the Client Portal?
A centralized, easy to use taxpayer dashboard. Allows clients to collect important documents and tasks all in the same place within a single, secure access point.
Client Portal functionality includes:
- Task List: Clients’ to-do items sent by the firm through SafeSend products.
- Document Repository: All files exchanged between client and firm, including both received and uploaded documents. The repository can be downloaded, sorted, and searchable.
- Unified K-1 Distribution Page: All entities requiring K-1 distributions are displayed on a single page.
- Tax Payment Page: Clients can manage estimated and actual tax payment vouchers for all returns and extensions from a centralized location.
How do I create a Client Portal account with SafeSend?
- Choose “Access Client Portal.”
2. On the account log in page, below the “Continue” button, choose “Sign Up.”
3. Register your account by entering your name and email address.
4. Verify your email by entering the one-time access code that was sent to the email address entered on the previous screen.
5. Create and confirm 6-digit PIN.
6. Using your new credentials, log in to your account.
7. Verify your identity one last time, with a one-time access code.
8. Welcome to your new Client Portal!
What are the steps for getting the 2024 tax return process started?
It depends on if you clicked “Let’s Get Started” (no account set up required) or “Access Client Portal” (set up an account through SafeSend).
If you chose “Lets Get Started:”
After receiving the Gather request noted above, click on “Let’s Get Started.”
Verify your identity by pressing the “Send Code” button and entering the one-time access code delivered to your email address.
You will be directed to your welcome page. On the bottom left will be a list of steps required to complete your gather request. Choose “Get Started” to move to the first step.
Electronically sign and date the engagement letter. The engagement letter is sent to the taxpayer first and then the spouse (if applicable). If you have a spouse, you will be prompted to enter your spouse’s email address.
Fill out the questionnaire.
Complete your tax organizer. If you have a spouse, only one person can work on the organizer at a time.
Upload source tax documents. This can be done while working through the organizer. At the end of the organizer process, you will see a “Requested Files” section in which you can upload additional documents. If any of the Requested Files are not relevant to 2024, please check the “NA” next to the document name in question.
Click “finish” and you’re done! If applicable, please remind your spouse to check their email and sign the engagement letter. Your CRS will reach out to you if we need more information from you to complete your tax filing.
If you chose “Access Client Portal:”
After receiving the Gather request noted above, click on “Access Client Portal.”
Log in using the email address and PIN you created. If you haven’t done this yet, please see “How do I create a Client Portal account with SafeSend?” above.
From your Client Portal, under Waiting for Action, choose the “Get Started” box after the 2024 Gather Request action item.
You will be directed to your welcome page. On the bottom left will be a list of steps required to complete your gather request. Choose “Get Started” to move to the first step.
Electronically sign and date the engagement letter. The engagement letter is sent to the taxpayer first and then the spouse (if applicable). If you have a spouse, you will be prompted to enter your spouse’s email address.
Fill out the questionnaire.
Complete your tax organizer. If you have a spouse, only one person can work on the organizer at a time.
Upload source tax documents. This can be done while working through the organizer. At the end of the organizer process, you will see a “Requested Files” section in which you can upload additional documents. If any of the Requested Files are not relevant to 2024, please check the “NA” next to the document name in question.
Click “finish” and you’re done! If applicable, please remind your spouse to check their email and sign the engagement letter. Your CRS will reach out to you if we need more information from you to complete your tax filing.
What if I have questions while using SafeSend?
Please use the resource links below or reach out to your CRS. CRS stands for Client Responsible Staff, and it’s your main contact on the Greenwood Ohlund tax team. If you’re unsure of who your CRS is, please email [email protected].
Client Resources:
SafeSend Gather Client Experience – Step by step instructions on how to use Gather on desktop
Client Experience: Gather on Mobile – Step by step instructions on how to use Gather on a mobile device
[Video] Gather Client Experience – Video showing a typical organizer experience from the taxpayer perspective
Writer: Michaela Thomassen – Tax Senior