Grouped Returns FAQ

Sections

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General Uploading Processing Delivery Controller Experience Signer Delegation

General

What are the benefits of using the Grouped Returns feature?	Grouped Returns allows you to send multiple returns to a single recipient referred to as the controller. The controller gets a single access link to a Controller Dashboard. The dashboard shows all the returns delivered within the group and their status.
Is the Grouped Returns feature included in both the SafeSend Returns Essential and Preferred tiers?	Yes. Grouped Returns is included in both pricing tiers.
Do I need to change a setting to enable Grouped Returns?	No. The Grouped Returns feature is always available in the left navigation panel of SafeSend Returns.
How many returns can be delivered within a group at one time?	You can deliver up to 150 returns at a time.
How many returns can be added to the group over time?	You can add a minimum of 1500 returns to the group.
Does the Grouped Returns feature work with all supported SafeSend Returns tax software programs?	Yes. You can use Grouped Returns generated by CCH Axcess and ProSystem fx, UltraTax CS, Lacerte, and GoSystem Tax RS.
Will the UltraTax CS Integration work with Grouped Returns?	Yes. Returns can be grouped after they are transmitted to SafeSend from UltraTax CS. Users assign them to a group from the Send Tax Returns page or while processing a return.
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Uploading

Can I create a group before uploading a return?	No. You must upload at least one return to create a group.
How do I add returns to a group during uploading?	Select an existing group from the Group drop-down or type a new name to create a new group.
Can returns be moved into a group after they have been uploaded?	Yes. You can add returns to a group from the Send Tax Returns page. Check the box to the left of the desired returns and click the Group Returns button at the top. You can also select the group on the Delivery Options tab while processing a return.
Do I have to create new groups each year for my returns?	No. When you create a new group, it becomes available to select for future deliveries. You can choose that group for returns delivered in the current year or future years.
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Processing

Do I need to update client info when processing a grouped return?	No. Returns in a group are sent to a controller. The controller reviews the returns, e-signs (if authorized), or delegates the returns for signature.
Do all the returns within a group need to be delivered at the same time?	No. You can deliver returns in a group all at once or at different times.
How can I tell which returns in a group have been processed and approved?	The cover page for a return within a group will change from blue to green when that return is approved for delivery. You will see this if processing a whole group or if processing each return separately.
Can I restrict access to a group?	Yes. Use the Set Access button on the Send Grouped Returns page. This restricts which users can access the group.
I created a new group, but entered the wrong name. Can I change it?	Yes. You can edit the group name in the More Actions (…) drop-down in the Send Grouped Returns page.
Should I process returns at the group level or individually?	Process at the group level when the delivery options are the same for all the returns. If returns in a group need different delivery options, process them individually.
Can I search within a group on the Send Grouped Returns page?	Yes. A global search feature is available on the Send Grouped Returns page. This searches all returns within a group.
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Delivery

Can I see the returns that have been delivered within a group?	Yes. The Grouped Returns Report shows all delivered returns. Click on a group to expand it and see the delivered returns.
Who will receive signing and voucher reminders for returns delivered in a group?	The controller will receive all reminders.
Can previously delivered returns be moved to a group?	No. Once a return has been delivered, you cannot move it into a group.
If a return within a group needs to be recalled, do I have to recall the whole group, or can I recall the one return?	You can recall a specific return from a group or recall the whole group at once.
Can I preview the Controller Dashboard?	Yes. There is a Controller View in the More Actions (…) drop-down. This will show you what the controller will see.
Do grouped returns have a screen share function?	Yes. You can screen share with the controller from the More Actions (…) drop-down.
Can I see the tracking history for grouped returns?	Yes. You can see Controller Tracking and Client Tracking events.
Is Voucher Management available for returns delivered in a group?	Yes. You can use the Voucher management feature for returns delivered in a group.
Can the controller use multi-factor authentication?	Yes. You can add a mobile number during processing on the Controller Info tab. You can also add a mobile number after delivery by clicking the Edit Controller Info button on the grouped return. Adding a mobile number will enable multi-factor authentication for the controller.
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Controller Experience

Will the controller get a notification email for each return delivered within a group?	No. The controller will get one email for all returns in a group that are sent at the same time.
Can the controller distribute K-1s?	Yes. Controllers can distribute K-1s after the return is delegated or signed.
Can the controller review all their grouped returns at the same time?	No. A controller must review each return in a group individually. After reviewing a return, they go back to the Controller Dashboard to review the next one.
Can the controller see what returns have been e-signed?	Yes. Once a return has been signed, the Controller Dashboard is updated.
If returns are delivered to the controller at different times, will the controller need to use the most current email link to access the grouped returns?	No. All returns in a group have the same link when delivered to the controller, regardless of when they are sent.
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Signer Delegation

Can a controller use Signer Delegation in grouped returns?	Yes. Signer Delegation is available to controllers.
Can a controller delegate a return to different signers within a group?	Yes. Multiple delegated signers within a group are supported.
Will the controller be able to see the status of a return after it has been delegated?	Yes. The Controller Dashboard will be updated with the status of a delegated return.
Will the controller receive notifications when the delegate e-signs?	Yes. The controller will receive an email notification when the tax documents are signed.
If the controller delegates signing to the same person for multiple returns in a group, does that person receive one email with all the forms that have been delegated to them?	No. The person will receive an email for each delegated return and will need to request an access code to sign for each one.
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