So it's tax time, and this is the first time I've thought about going the e-file route for us- always used traditional paper mailing with certified mail before. I know a lot of people do e-filing, so I thought why not check it out...
Turns out though, when I click through the links on the main IRS website, when it comes time to actually go to the "fillable forms" section (where you can put in your info and then electronically file it), they send you to another private website who then handle the return/submission. It even has a disclaimer from the main site just before you switch over, about the link taking you to a private website with its own privacy/security rules. I clicked and it took me to a site for a company called "Free File Alliance" which had the forms to fill in. I closed the window without setting up an account with the third party website.
So is this standard when e-filing? Personally, I don't know what to think. I had always assumed that e-filing was done through the main IRS site. Isn't that how it should work? For those of you who do e-file your taxes, do you feel comfortable giving your important financial information through a third party website? Do these third parties really keep your information (esp SSN number) safe and secure? Any opinions welcome...
Turns out though, when I click through the links on the main IRS website, when it comes time to actually go to the "fillable forms" section (where you can put in your info and then electronically file it), they send you to another private website who then handle the return/submission. It even has a disclaimer from the main site just before you switch over, about the link taking you to a private website with its own privacy/security rules. I clicked and it took me to a site for a company called "Free File Alliance" which had the forms to fill in. I closed the window without setting up an account with the third party website.
So is this standard when e-filing? Personally, I don't know what to think. I had always assumed that e-filing was done through the main IRS site. Isn't that how it should work? For those of you who do e-file your taxes, do you feel comfortable giving your important financial information through a third party website? Do these third parties really keep your information (esp SSN number) safe and secure? Any opinions welcome...