Emailing Copies of Returns - PDF Encryption Issues

[Yardley CPA]

I normally email a copy of the completed tax return to clients to allow them to review the information. Included in the attachment are the 8879 forms for them to sign and return to me to allow me to efile the return. I print the returns using the pdf option on the print manager and then I add a password through Adobe's encrypt option. I noticed that after I save the encrypted version, some of the letters or numbers are not carried onto the document. So the encrypted return that is opened by the client may contain missing digits/letters/symbols. Has anyone else noticed this? Any suggested solutions? I obviously feel it is important to secure the document prior to emailing it...but in doing so, I'm sending something that does not correctly reflect all the information properly.

In addition, I had to reload ATX onto my computer after a crash. I also had to reinstall Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard version. I noted that prior to the crash, ATX's print manager allowed you to select Adobe PDF versus ATX PDF as a print option. Now, the ATX print manager shows error triangles next to the Adobe PDF options. I tried reloading the Adobe Acrobat again (even chose the repair utility) but the ATX print manger still shows an error triangle next to the Adobe print option. Thoughts?

[Randall]

I've not noticed this but I don't actually review the copy I attach to the email. I make my pdf copy of the return from ATX using profactory, then save it to my client file as an Acrobat pdf. Then in my email to the client, I attach this acrobat pdf file. Once it's in the email as an attachment, I open it and encrypt with a password. I then close and open to check the password before sending. But I don't actually review the return at this point. I'll look next time to see if anything looks mssing or funny.

[Jack from Ohio]

I don't use encryption or passwords on .pdf files I email.

I don't waste my time on paranoia caused by too much TV, Movies and Urban myths.

[michaelmars]

I don't use encryption or passwords on .pdf files I email.

I don't waste my time on paranoia caused by too much TV, Movies and Urban myths.

its being required for all financial emails with personal info.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Yardley, I do the same procedure but have not seen your results. I just checked on return of 42 pages again to be sure. Is your experience with the same forms or pages? I have not had any clients report missing info either. Hmmm, not so good.

[Yardley CPA]

Margaret...I'm finding it's random. For instance, on form 8879, I normally input the date so the client knows where to sign the form. I'll instruct them, "sign near the line that has the date 3/15/2013." When I print the return using pdf, I review it and the date appears normally....3/15/2013. After encrypting, adding a password and saving the secure pdf, I'll reopen it. I notice the date appears as 3 15 2013. It removes the /

In addition, throughout the return there are missing numbers and characters. Don't get me wrong, the vast majority appear correctly, but there are locations throughout the return that a number or letter is dropped. It happens on almost ever page of the secure document. In some cases, it does cause confusion for the client. I plainly state in my email that the encryption option does cause some letter/numbers to be missing and that the return on my end is correct, however, I don't take comfort knowing what the client is reviewing is not exactly what I have on my end.

So I wasn't sure if anyone else is experiencing this? In Adobe Standard, I go to the "Secure" tab. I then choose "Password Encrypt" and check the "Require a password to open document" box. I then select a password, re-enter it to confirm and then save the docuemnt again. After opening this saved document is when I notice the missing letters or numbers.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Well, I follow the same process but I don't add anything into the pdf. My instructions are in the text of the email to which it is attached. Maybe you could have 'boiler plate' instructions either as another pdf page in front or in the email. And I use Adobe X Pro but don't know if that should matter.

I will check a couple of others later to see.

[Yardley CPA]

I don't add anything into the pdf either. All my instructions are in the body of my email text.