Tax season means sharing hundreds of documents containing Social Security numbers, bank account details, investment records and employer identification numbers. Every tax return you deliver to a client is a package of the most sensitive personal information that exists. Here is how to protect it during transfer.
Why Email Fails for Tax Documents
- Not encrypted end-to-end - standard email passes through multiple servers in plain text
- Permanent copies - tax returns sit in client email inboxes for years, accessible to anyone who compromises the account
- 25MB attachment limit - multi-state returns with all schedules often exceed this
- No tracking - you do not know if the client actually downloaded their return
IRS Requirements for Tax Preparers
IRS Publication 4557 requires tax professionals to create and implement a written information security plan. The key requirements for file sharing:
- Encrypt data in transit and at rest
- Limit access to authorized individuals
- Implement data retention and disposal policies
- Monitor and detect unauthorized access
End-to-end encryption with zero-knowledge architecture satisfies the encryption requirements. Password protection satisfies access control. Auto-expiry satisfies disposal.
Tax Season Delivery Workflow
- Upload the client package at easysend.co with encryption enabled: tax return (PDF), all schedules, engagement letter, payment receipt
- Set a password (12+ characters). The return is encrypted in your browser before upload
- Email the download link to the client
- Call or text the password separately (never in the same message)
- Receive download notification when the client accesses their return
- Files auto-expire after the delivery period (extend to 30 days for $0.99 if needed)
Why This Beats Client Portals
Many accounting firms use client portals that require clients to create accounts, remember passwords and navigate unfamiliar interfaces. The result: constant "I forgot my password" support calls, especially during tax season when clients interact with the firm once a year.
EasySend requires no client account. They click the link, enter the password you gave them by phone and download. No portal, no forgotten passwords, no IT support calls during the busiest time of year.
Batch Delivery for Multiple Clients
For firms delivering dozens of returns daily, the API automates the process. Your tax software exports the return, a script uploads it to EasySend with encryption enabled and generates the share link. You email the link and call the client with the password.
See the accountant guide and compliance checklist for detailed workflows.
Share Tax Documents Securely