Concealed Social Security Numbers

[Yardley CPA]

Is anyone concealing the clients and dependents social security numbers on the printed copy of their forms?  I have a couple of new clients who brought me their last year returns and the copy reflects all *********  for their SSN's.  I understand the purpose of concealing the numbers, just wondering if anyone is concealing all the numbers.  I have not concealed any of the number on the file copies I give my clients.  

[Lion EA]

I print numbers on government copies only.  Numbers are on my file .pdf copies.  Client copies have numbers masked.  (I remember years ago at HRB, some preparer's client put their folder on top of their car and drove off.  Never did find it.)

[TAXMAN]

Yes, I am doing that incase a return should ever get out of clients hands. I am wondering tho if bank wanted a copy of prior year return would they accept this since the #'s are masked out?

[Lion EA]

If a client asks for a copy for their bank, I send it to the CLIENT as masked.  If they request one with the numbers showing, I would send that to the client.  My software does print the last four digits of SSNs, bank accounts, EINs, etc., so I don't think anyone has requested a new copy with all digits showing.

[Abby Normal]

I wish ATX would change two things:

1. Allow us to suppress ID#s on every print packet.
2. Put a checkbox in the print dialog so we can turn it on or off as printing.

I've gotten new clients where all the ID#s were suppressed on tax documents and returns, so I had to ask what the ID#s were.

[Max W]

10 minutes ago, TAXMAN said:

Yes, I am doing that incase a return should ever get out of clients hands. I am wondering tho if bank wanted a copy of prior year return would they accept this since the #'s are masked out?

The 1040 is only a preliminary document when applying for a loan.  Returns are verified from the IRS transcript.  That is why form 4506-T is submitted with the loan application.

[Yardley CPA]

Can the SSN's be suppressed in ATX?

[Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana]

The only place I know of is the organizer. I have never looked for it on the tax return. 

[Abby Normal]

56 minutes ago, Yardley CPA said:

Can the SSN's be suppressed in ATX?

When using the Client print packet, if you check the preference to suppress, yes.

Also, it's an option in business returns to suppress the SSN on the federal K1... but most states don't allow this yet.

[ETax847]

This is my first year suppressing the information on the Client Copy and the client feedback has been most positive.  Hope everyone is having a smooth tax season!

[Yardley CPA]

Abby...how do you activate that?  I'm not seeing the option. 

[kimjo]

My client's mortgage lender rejected an extension form because I masked the SSNs

[Abby Normal]

58 minutes ago, Yardley CPA said:

Abby...how do you activate that?  I'm not seeing the option. 

Sorry, I did word that a bit confusingly.

It's in Preferences, Print. Check 'Mask sensitive info on Client Copy'. Beats me why they didn't say 'mask Social Security numbers'.

[Abby Normal]

1 hour ago, ETax847 said:

This is my first year suppressing the information on the Client Copy and the client feedback has been most positive.  Hope everyone is having a smooth tax season!

I may have to reshuffle which print packets I use for what to take advantage of this. But not this tax season!