Client E-mail copy

[Kurly]

Hey

If we E-mail the client a copy of their tax return. must it be signed and how?

Thanks

K

[sea-tax]

Hey

If we E-mail the client a copy of their tax return. must it be signed and how?

Thanks

K

It is my understanding that if you type your name in the preparer signature line that is equivalent to signing your name. Your program should have this feature I know that Lacerte has the ability to print your name or allow you to physically sign it.

[Joe Btfsplk]

It is my understanding that if you type your name in the preparer signature line that is equivalent to signing your name. Your program should have this feature I know that Lacerte has the ability to print your name or allow you to physically sign it.

ATX, Drake and TaxAct also hve the ability to print your 'signature' which is acceptable to the IRS.

If you can't print it, then you could scan a signed copy and submit the signature page. I used to do that before I was able to print my signature.

[S T]

Filing Copies

My tax software has electronic signature for my preparer's signature (my name typed on the preparer's signature line.)

So this is acceptable, and I can email the Federal and State filing copies to the client to print, and then affix their handwritten signature, and then mail to the IRS and State agency?

I have not done this before, so want to make sure that IRS and State will accept as if I had signed the paper return.

Thanks,

Sandy

[LTS]

original kurly question

i don't think the client copy needs to be signed by the tax preparer.

by auto signing within any of the tax programs (for mailing return to the irs), i imagine the client copy gets auto-signed also.

i 92.7% e-file, so my signature occurs on the fm 8879.

[Bees Knees]

We need to be careful about emailing tax returns without using some kind of security program. Emails are easily intercepted, and a client’s non-public information can be stolen.

TTB page 3-11 says:

DID YOU KNOW? A paid preparer must obtain a written consent signed
by the taxpayer before sending a copy of the taxpayer’s return to a third
party, such as a mortgage company, even if the taxpayer calls the paid
preparer on the phone requesting that the preparer fax a copy of his or
her return to the mortgage company. [Reg. §301.7216-3(a)(2)]

I think that it might be prudent to do the same for a request to have their tax return emailed to them. The client needs to be told that someone could intercept their personal data and that we the tax preparer cannot assure the safety of the data being sent by such a means.

[Beth]

Emailing Client Info

I agree that material can be hijacked whether by email or snail mail.

I like to be able to provide the prelimimary tax return to the client for approval by email. I mark it as proof and secure it in a PDF that needs a password to open. (I use the last 4 digits of the SS). I also include a copy of Form 8879 and their bill. They are instructed to review the return, and if correct, print and sign the 8879 and mail it back to me with their payment. Once received, I e-file their return, and then mail them a printed copy of the return with their documentation.

In my engagement letter, I include the following:
"In the interest of facilitating my services to you, I may communicate by facsimile transmission (fax) or send electronic mail over the internet. I will also use the U.S. Postal service to mail information to you, including your completed return. Such communications may include information that is confidential to you. While I will use my best efforts to keep such communications secure in accordance with my obligations under applicable laws and professional standards, you recognize and accept that I have no control over the unauthorized interception of these communications once they have been sent, and consent to my use of these electronic devices and the postal system during this engagement."

By the way, primoPDF is what I use for the PDF files. The down load is free at: www.primopdf.com