Client Experience: Returns on Mobile

Taxpayers may review and sign their returns on a mobile phone instead of a computer. The client experience on mobile is outlined below.

Info

• The link received should be opened in a web browser app, like Google Chrome or Firefox. If the link is opened in an email app, it may not function properly.
• The Download option is not available during the Review step. The taxpayer will need to complete the signing before they can download the return.
• The Distribute K-1s option is not available on mobile devices. 
• The Paper File option is not available on mobile devices. 
• The Client Portal is not currently compatible with tablets or mobile devices. 
• The Pay option for invoices is not available on mobile devices. 
  • The taxpayer will be prompted to log in on a PC or tablet if Stripe or CPACharge is enabled and the taxpayer is required to pay prior to signing. 
• The Manual Signing option is not available on mobile devices.
  • The taxpayer will be prompted to log in on a PC or tablet if they are required to manually sign. 

Initial Email

The taxpayer receives an email with a link to the designated tax return. All emails come from [e-mail]. 

1. Click the Let's Get Started button in the email. 

Start Page

The start page shows the firm's logo and the name of the client.

1. Click Get Started to proceed to authentication. 

Authentication Screen

Social Security Number Authentication

Personal returns include the Social Security Number Authentication screen before Access Code verification.

Note:

Business/Entity returns clients are not prompted to enter a partial SSN or EIN.  Continue to Access Code Authentication. 

1. Enter the first or last 4 of the Social Security Number as required.
2. Click Continue. 

Access Code Verification

1. Click the Send Code button.
2. Enter the access code after receiving it.
3. Click Confirm to proceed to the Welcome Page.

Welcome Page

A notification appears advising the taxpayer to move to a laptop or desktop if they would like to download their return. 

1. Click OK to proceed. 
2. Click the $ icon to view a summary of refunds and payments due OR
3. Click Begin to proceed to the Message from Preparer.

Message from Preparer

This page displays instructions from your tax firm if there are any special requirements.  

1. Click Next to move to the Review Tax Documents section. 

Review Tax Documents

The taxpayer can review their tax documents, beginning with their invoice (if included), then their filing instructions, and finally the tax return.

• Click Next to proceed from the Invoice to the Filing Instructions.
• Click Next to proceed from the Filing Instructions to the Tax Return. 
• Click Next to proceed from the Tax Return to the Sign Step. 

Sign Tax Documents

There may be up to 2 options to sign, depending on your firm's settings. 

1. Click E-Sign Document(s) to sign electronically OR
2. Click Delegate to send tax forms to partners or shareholders for signatures.
   • See the Signer Delegation: Managing Member Experience article for information about this feature.

Verify Signer and Spouse Information

The taxpayer is prompted to enter their date of birth and consent to e-Sign (1040 returns only). 

1. Select your Date of Birth from the drop-downs.
2. Check the box to consent to e-signing.
3. Click Next.

1. Enter the Spouse's email address (for Married Filing Joint Returns only).
2. Enter their mobile number for text message Access Codes (optional). 
3. Click Next.

Knowledge-Based Authentication

The knowledge-based authentication step only appears for 1040 returns that have this feature enabled. 

Each KBA session has 3-5 questions. You must answer 3 questions correctly to pass. 

A disclosure explains how Knowledge-Based Authentication questions are generated. 

1. Click Continue. 
2. Select the radio button that corresponds with the correct answer. 
3. Click Continue to move on to the next question 
   • If you pass, Click Continue to proceed to the E-Sign Your Documents section.
   •  If you fail, the return must be manually signed using the desktop version of the program. See the Manual Signing Process article for more information. 

E-Sign Your Documents

1. Click the Start arrow to be led to your first signature.
2. Click the green signature blocks to open the Signature window to type, draw, or upload your signature.
   • Click Apply to use this selected signature moving forward.
   • Use the Next arrow to be led to your next signature.
3. Click Done to continue to the Completed section.

Confirmation Screen

Once signing is completed, you will see a confirmation page.

• Click View to view your tax payments. 
• Click Download All to download the full return.