Draft Returns Overview

Draft returns allow the client to review their return before a final return is delivered. This article outlines the firm and client experience with draft returns. 

Please note:

• Grouped returns cannot be marked or delivered as drafts. 
• Draft returns cannot be archived. 
• Draft returns cannot be recalled. 

Processing

A return can be marked as a draft when uploaded or processed. For more information about uploading and processing returns, see our Processing a Return article. 

Upload

A return can be marked as a draft on upload if it is being manually uploaded. Returns uploaded via an integration must be marked as a draft during processing. 

1. Click Send Tax Returns.
2. Click the corresponding tax software button.
3. Drag the client copy to Drag files here or click to upload. 
4. Toggle Draft returns on. 
5. Click Submit. 

Begin Processing

Draft returns are processed the same way a standard return is. For a full guide on processing returns, see our Processing a Return article. 

1. Locate the return to be opened. 
2. Click the purple rocket ship icon in the Action menu to open the return. 

Mark as Draft

A return can be marked as a draft from any tab during processing. 

1. Toggle Draft returns on. 
2. Hover over a Pencil icon for more information about draft returns. 

Delivery

When delivering a draft return, a pop-up notification appears asking you to confirm that it is a draft. The draft return is moved to your Delivered Returns report. 

1. Click Yes, Deliver It. 

Reporting

Use the Status column in the Send, Delivered, or Archived sections to identify draft returns and check their review status. See our Tax Returns In-Process Statuses and Delivered and Archived Returns Statuses articles for more information about draft return statuses. 

Tax Returns In-Process

1. Click the Status drop-down. 
2. Select Draft Return to view only draft returns.
3. View the Pencil icon indicating the return is a draft.

Delivered/Archived Returns 

1. Click the Status drop-down. 
2. Select one of the 4 available draft return statuses.

Process Final Return

When the draft is approved by the client, you have the option to process the final return. This updates the delivered draft return status and adds the return to your Send Tax Returns section for processing. 

1. Click the Action (...) menu for the approved draft. 
2. Click Process Final Return. 
3. Click Confirm.
4. Navigate to the Send Tax Returns section. 
5. Locate the Draft Approved return. 
6. Click the purple rocket ship icon in the Action menu to process the return.

Client Experience

The taxpayer can access the return, review the return including vouchers/invoices and K-1s, and download documents during the Review step. See our Draft Returns Client Experience article for a full walk-through of the taxpayer experience. 

Please note:

For married couples filing joint returns, only the initial recipient can view the return; it will not be delivered to the spouse. 

Clients cannot complete the following actions from a draft return:

• Signing
• Delegating signing 
• Paying vouchers
• Paying invoices
• Distributing K-1s
• Forwarding documents

FAQ

Client Questions

Can I download K-1 packages from a draft?	No, K-1 packages cannot be downloaded from a draft return.
Can I download vouchers from a draft?	Yes, you can download vouchers during the Review step.
Do I need to sign my draft return?	No, you will be walked through the steps to sign in preparation for your final return, but you will not be able to place your signature on the form.

User Questions

What pricing tiers have access to the draft returns?	All pricing tiers have access to draft returns.
Can Grouped Returns be sent as drafts?	No, Grouped Returns are not currently supported for draft returns.
Are we charged for delivering draft returns?	Yes, 1 return credit is deducted from your returns balance when a draft return is delivered.
Can draft returns be recalled?	No, draft returns cannot be recalled.
Can draft returns be archived?	No, draft returns cannot be archived.
Can I reopen a draft after the client has approved or requested changes?	No, draft returns cannot be re-opened after the client has approved or requested changes.

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Draft Returns Client Experience