Strategic Accounting & Tax FAQs

Trusted Answers from Your Financial Partners 

Whether you’re leading a growing global enterprise, managing personal wealth, or running a business in California’s dynamic regulatory environment, we’re here to provide clarity, compliance, and confidence. Below are some of the most common questions we receive—and how we deliver solutions you can count on. 

FAQs

SafeSend Gather FAQs

Need Assistance?
If you have any trouble setting up your account or using the portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can give us a call and we’ll be glad to walk you through the process.

What is SafeSend Gather?

SafeSend Gather is a secure, user-friendly tool that simplifies the collection and organization of tax documents. It allows you to upload your tax information securely and send it directly to our team at Atherton & Associates. 

SafeSend Gather uses advanced encryption and follows strict data-protection standards to help keep your sensitive financial information secure. 

Yes! This must be manually turned on by our administrative staff. Please email admin@athertoncpas.com the following information and allow 24 hours for the request to be processed:  

    1. Email address: 
    2. Phone number: 

We do not recommend using a mobile device to access the SafeSend platform, including Gather. For the best experience, please use a laptop or desktop computer.

The most common document file types are accepted including PDFs, Excel, and Word. Picture/Photo files are also accepted, such as .jpeg, .png, etc. If you are uploading a picture, please ensure the picture is not blurry and the text can be easily read without the need to zoom in or magnify the image.  

If you are associated with more than three tax entities, then you likely received one Gather request that covers all the entities. On the initial Gather request welcome page, download the Document Request List and Upload Instructions located at the bottom of the screen. It is important that you use the links in the Upload Instructions to keep the documents for each company organized.  

You are responsible for more than one tax return, and we have determined that separate requests are the best method for keeping your information organized and tracked properly. Rather than hunting for the original request emails, you can access all the Gather requests by logging into your Client Portal. 

Once you log in to the portal, navigate to Security Settings. In the Add email ID box, enter the email address of the person you wish to add, then click the blue Add button. A code will be sent to that email address, and the recipient will need to forward the code to you to complete the process.  

 

If you want to restrict what the user can see or do, use the “Grant Third-Party Access” option at the bottom of the Security Settings page. If you do not want a user to see tax returns or other tax documents, their Page Access should be set to “Home” only. “Documents” page access will allow the user to see tax returns and other documents. 

The owner or officer may already be associated with another portal. An email address can only be associated with one portal. You will need to provide the login credentials for the company portal to the owner or officer. If the owner or officer wishes to have access to two or more portals using their own email address, they must supply a different email address for each one. Please contact us for assistance with making this change. 

After you open the SafeSend organizer, click “Complete Organizer,” then click the download icon in the top-right corner. If you are unable to access the SafeSend organizer, please contact our office to request an organizer to be mailed to you. 

You can still begin the process in Gather. At any step in the Gather process click “Save & Close” in the bottom–right corner to save your work. We ask that you wait until you have uploaded all your tax information before clicking “Submit”, which will notify us that you are done and disable your ability to upload additional documents in Gather. 

There are two ways to fix this. Drag the document from the right holding area to the checklist name. Or, manually check off the item as sent by hovering over the item name and clicking “Received”. Even if Gather is not able to recognize the document, your document will still be sent to us.  We will ensure that it is accounted for on your tax return. 

Log in to your client portal by visiting: https://www.ssportal.com/athertonassociates. On the right, Click “Send Files to Tax Professional or Tax Preparer”. In the “To” field, choose your Tax Professional from the drop-down menu. Attach your files (you can drag and drop). Click Send. 

On any screen, look for the “Home” link at the top of the page. Clicking the Home link will take you back to the main page of the portal. 

The maximum retention period is 3 years for tax returns. Gather requests and uploaded documents will only remain accessible through the completion of the tax return, up to a maximum of 11 months. 

Please call us at (209) 577-4800 or email admin@athertoncpas.com for assistance with your PIN. 

General FAQs

Our full-service offerings include tax planning, client accounting services, business consulting, M&A advisory, financial statement audits, internal controls evaluation, risk management, forensic accounting, estate planning, and outsourced CFO services.

We serve a wide range of industries, including agriculture, real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, technology, and professional services. Each sector has a dedicated team that understands the industry’s regulations, challenges, and benchmarks.

We provide pricing based on the complexity and scope of your engagement. Options include hourly rates, fixed-fee arrangements, or retainer-based models. We are transparent in our proposals and work to accommodate your budgeting needs.

We combine the strength and resources of a national firm with the attentiveness of a local advisor. Clients appreciate our hands-on service model, depth of industry experience, and our ability to provide strategic insight, not just compliance.

Our onboarding begins with a discovery meeting, a review of prior filings and records, and a final formal or informal proposal, depending on the desire. You’ll be introduced to your dedicated engagement team and provided with a clear timeline and communication path.

Yes. We provide transaction advisory, financial due diligence, tax structuring, and post-deal integration support. Our team helps identify risks and uncover value or tax ramifications throughout the deal lifecycle.

We do. Our services include trust structuring, tax-optimized wealth transfers, charitable giving strategies, and coordination with legal advisors. We aim to protect your legacy while minimizing estate and gift tax exposure.

We offer deep expertise in California’s unique tax codes, environmental regulations, labor laws, and compliance filings. From state income and franchise taxes to business property taxes, we provide peace of mind and proactive guidance.

Absolutely. For companies that need financial leadership without hiring in-house, we offer outsourced CFO and controller services. These include cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, board preparation, and strategic planning.

We provide support for QuickBooks, including guidance on conversions from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, as well as on-demand consulting tailored to your accounting needs. For software-specific issues or technical troubleshooting, we recommend reaching out directly to Intuit.

Tax FAQs

To access your return in SafeSend Returns, you’ll need to follow these steps:

 

  1. Receive the email: Look for an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com, which will contain a safe link to your tax return.
  2. Click the link: Click the link in the email to access your return.
  3. Identity verification: You’ll be prompted to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number to review your return. SafeSend may also email or text you an access code for further verification.
  4. Enter the access code: Retrieve the access code from your email or text message and enter it in the required field. Note: The code is typically only valid for 20 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly.
  5. Review and complete: Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, you’ll have access to your tax return where you can review, download, or print it.
  6. E-sign (if applicable): If you’re required to electronically sign your e-file authorization forms, you’ll be guided through the process and asked to answer a few simple questions to verify your identity.

Important Notes:

  • Check spam/junk folders: If you don’t receive the initial email or the access code, be sure to check your spam or junk folders.
  • Request a new code: If the access code expires before you use it, you can request another one.
  • For spouses filing jointly: If you file jointly with your spouse, both of you will receive separate emails with links to view and sign the return.
  • Downloading/Printing: You can download and print your return from a computer or tablet, but printing may not be available on a smartphone.

If you have any questions or experience difficulties accessing your return, contact us for assistance.

If you have a client portal, 2025 tax returns and beyond are available there.  If you do not have a portal or need 2024 tax returns and older see question, How do I access my return in SafeSend without a client portal? 

 

It is generally recommended to keep supporting documents for at least four – seven years, such as W-2’s, 1099s, and receipts for deductions, as these can provide necessary evidence if your records are questioned. See our Record Retention list.

If you’ve received a notice from the IRS, don’t panic—reach out to us right away.

We will review a copy of the notice, provide an explanation of its meaning, and help you determine the appropriate response. Whether it’s a simple clarification or requires formal representation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. See list of top ten most commonly sent notices 

Beginning in late fall 2026 and continuing through January 2027, Atherton will send clients their personalized tax information requests through SafeSend Gather, our new document collection feature within the SafeSend Client Portal.

 

Your Gather request will include a personalized checklist based primarily on your prior-year tax return and will allow you to securely upload documents, complete your questionnaire, and track what information has been provided.

 

You do not need to request an organizer from us. Please watch for an email from noreply@safesendreturns.com on behalf of Atherton & Associates. If you do not see it, please check your junk or spam folder.

 

For clients who prefer paper, you may still contact our office to request a paper organizer.

We understand it can feel lengthy, but yes—it’s an important part of the process.

The organizer helps ensure we have complete and accurate information to prepare your return correctly, identify potential deductions, and avoid delays. The more thorough the information, the better we can serve you.

A tax Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal form that authorizes us to communicate directly with the IRS or state tax agencies on your behalf.

This allows us to access your tax records, respond to notices, and represent you in matters related to your tax filings. While it’s not always required, we may request it if we need to resolve a tax issue or speak to the IRS directly on your behalf.

Payment & Refund FAQs

2026 US Business Employer Tax Calendar
2026 US Business Entity Estimated Tax Payments
2026 US Business Entity Forms Tax Calendar
2026 US Individual Tax Calendar

Individual tax payments and estimated payments can be made directly through the IRS website using the IRS Direct Pay tool.

This secure option allows you to pay from a checking or savings account without needing to register. Simply visit www.irs.gov/payments and follow the prompts. For credit or debit card payments, third-party processors are also available on the site. If you need to make state payments, we’re happy to direct you to the appropriate portal for your state.

Business tax payments and estimated payments can be made online through the IRS Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

 

This secure system allows you to schedule payments, view payment history, and receive confirmations. To use EFTPS, you’ll need to enroll at www.eftps.gov if you haven’t already. For state payments, each state has its own online portal—feel free to contact us, and we’ll help guide you to the right one.

 

Payments | Internal Revenue Service

EFTPS| The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System | Internal Revenue Service

Making state tax or estimated payments varies by state and whether you’re an individual or a business.

Most states offer secure online portals where you can make payments directly from your bank account or by credit/debit card.

 

CA Estimated tax payments | FTB.ca.gov 

Pay | FTB.ca.gov

 

To ensure accuracy and avoid penalties, it’s important to use the correct forms and payment methods specified by your state’s tax authority. If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, we’re here to help guide you through the appropriate steps for your specific situation.

You’re not required to send your tax payment by certified mail, but it’s highly recommended.

Certified mail provides proof of mailing and delivery, which can be valuable if there’s ever a question about when the payment was sent. It adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind—especially for important tax deadlines.

SafeSend Client Portal FAQs

Need Assistance?
If you have any trouble setting up your account or using the portal, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can give us a call and we’ll be glad to walk you through the process.

The Client Portal always requires a unique access code to log in. A client-specific PIN is required when logging in from a new browser or device.

Yes. You can reset your PIN from inside the Client Portal in the Security Settings section.

Yes. You can reset your primary email from inside the Client Portal in the Security Settings section.

Yes. Look for https://  at the beginning of the site URL and a locked padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar to confirm you are on a secure site.

Yes. Both can use the same email address. Each will receive their own secure access link.

The return will be sent to one spouse first. After signing, the second spouse will automatically receive the return for their signature.

Yes, as long as the taxpayer and spouse have different email addresses, you can each create your own Client Portal account.

Yes. You will receive an email confirming your return was submitted successfully.

Yes. Email notifications will come from noreply@safesendreturns.com.

Yes. You can do this from the Pay screen within the portal.

The K-1 Distribution Page will show “Declined Consent.” If declined in error, you can click Resend to allow them to accept and download.

Yes. Select the Manually Sign option within the Sign section of your return.

Yes. You can download and print during the Review step and again after signing is completed.

Only returns that have been processed through the Client Portal are available to be seen.

Google Chrome (preferred), Firefox, Edge, and Safari are all compatible with SafeSend.

If you don’t see your question here, please reach out to our team. We are always available to provide personalized answers and dependable support—because your success is our purpose.

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