Update on HBE Coronavirus Precautions

Changes to Office Access & Tax Information Transmission

March 17, 2020

As we navigate the uncertain environment created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, HBE continues to take measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve. This includes efforts to ensure that we reduce the risk of spreading the virus in our workplace while also maintaining communication with you in an efficient manner.

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all HBE office locations will be closed to the public until further notice.

HOW THIS IMPACTS YOU

Please be assured that we expect little to no disruption in deliverables or timeliness as a result of these circumstances. While our offices will be closed to the public, our staff will continue to work on-site to the extent that they are able. Clients who wish to speak with their accountant are asked to contact their accountant directly, or call the main office number at the respective location.

HBE’s virtual workplace technology enables our team to provide seamless services from remote locations, which some of our team members are currently doing. We expect the number of employees working remotely to increase as the situation evolves. Although we will not be available for face-to-face meetings, we are equipped with full remote access to email and voicemail. We will continue to answer and respond to all calls and messages in a timely manner.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR TAX INFORMATION
(including your signed Form 8879)

If you have not yet submitted your tax information to our office, you can do so in one of the following ways:

• Online
  • From the menu at the top of our website, you can submit the following documents:
    • Client Documents: Select “Send Files” then click “Client Documents”
    • Signed Form 8879: “Send Files” then click “Form 8879”
• Email
  • If you have means to securely send email, your information can be emailed to the following mailboxes:
    • Client Documents: clientdocuments@hbecpa.com
    • Signed Form 8879: efile@hbecpa.com  
• Fax. Information can be faxed to our office at (402) 423-4346.
• Mail.* As always, you are welcome to mail your information to our offices.
• Drop off
  • Receptacles will be available within the vestibule of each of our office locations for clients to use to drop off their information. Given current virus prevention guidelines, dropping off and picking up information is the least preferred method for transmitting your documents.

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR TAX RETURN

• Electronic Option (SafeSend Returns)
  • We strongly recommend that you to take advantage of the electronic option for delivery of your tax return. Your accountant will provide additional information on accessing SafeSend Returns when your return is ready to be delivered.
• Mail. If needed, we will mail your tax return and related information to you if it is not too close to the filing deadline.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

We recognize the upheaval and uncertainty that you may be experiencing due to the effect of the coronavirus crisis locally, nationally, and globally. Our team is available and ready to help you and your business navigate these tough times. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

We will continue to provide updates on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic as they become available, or as adjustments become necessary to comply with public health guidelines.