How To Convert Your Files to PDF

The best way to submit your documents to us is in PDF file format. In this step-by-step guide we will show you just how easy it is to securely convert any document to PDF from your PC, Mac, or iPhone. You can convert any file on your computer or simply scan a paper document with your phone.

First, we will show you how to convert any file on your computer, whether PC or Mac to a pdf. Second, we will show you how to scan any paper document with your iPhone to create a pdf. On an Android, you can scan documents easily using Google Drive or an app, however, we cannot guarantee how secure these options are for your highly sensitive information and we advise against it.

Please watch the video above for a visual walk-through of this guide.

Let’s start with converting an image on a PC to PDF. This works for jpg, png, word documents and other file types. If you have a file on your computer that you need to convert to pdf,

1. Open the file
2. Select FILE
3. Select PRINT (or right click on the image and select PRINT)
4. Under printer options, look for one that says PDF. On mine I have two options and either will convert it to PDF. I have Microsoft print to pdf and Foxit PDF Editor Printer, yours may have a different name, but they all function in the same way.
5. Select the PDF PRINTER
6. Make sure your orientation is how you’d like it – portrait or landscape
7. Click PRINT
8. A window will open where you can select your personal tax folder to save your new file in
9. You now have a saved PDF file ready to upload to your SmartVault
10. To access your SmartVault, scroll to the top of this page and select the CLIENT PORTAL button on the top right

On a Mac, you have 2 options. In the first option, we outline the simplest way to convert your document to a PDF on a Mac. The second option is a backup if you can’t find the selections suggested.

MAC (Simplest Option)

1. Open the image file by double clicking on it in FINDER
2. Go to FILE and select EXPORT AS PDF
3. Name the file
4. You now have a pdf file ready to upload to your SmartVault
5. To access your SmartVault, scroll to the top of this page and select the CLIENT PORTAL button on the top right

MAC (Less simple, but still simple, option)

1. Open the image file by double clicking on it in FINDER
2. Go to FILE select PRINT
3. Look in the bottom left of the window that opens up and you will see a PDF drop down menu – Click the dropdown arrow and select “SAVE AS PDF”
4. Select your file location and name your new pdf file
5. Click SAVE
6. Your pdf file is now ready to upload in your SmartVault
7. To access your SmartVault, scroll to the top of this page and select the CLIENT PORTAL button on the top right

Using your iPhone you can simply scan any paper document to PDF following the instructions below.

1. Open the NOTES app
2. Select the PENCIL/PAPER ICON in the bottom right corner
3. Tap the CAMERA button
4. Choose SCAN DOCUMENTS
5. The scan is done just like taking a photo – place your document in view of the camera. If your device is in auto mode, your document will automatically scan. You can scan one document or multiple documents.
6. Tap SAVE
7. Click the SHARE arrow [a square with an arrow pointing upwards] at the top of the screen
8. Click SAVE TO FILES – you will see it automatically saves as a PDF document.

UPLOADING TO SMARTVAULT FROM YOUR iPHONE

1. To access your SmartVault, scroll to the top of this page and select the CLIENT PORTAL button on the top right
2. Login into your SmartVault Client Portal
3. Select to UPLOAD documents to add your saved PDF securely
4. You may notice a gray folder blocking the blue upload file button. If you do, simply turn your phone sideways and then you will be able to click upload.
5. Select CHOOSE FILES, locate the files you just saved, and your files will securely upload to your SmartVault

PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL OR TEXT ANY TAX DOCUMENTS TO US. WE WANT TO KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SECURE.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our fabulous associates who are always available to help with any questions.

Thank you for choosing PBG Advisors as your strategic tax partner.