Ask HN: Is it safe to file for taxes in the US, at this time?

by netfortius on 2/18/2025, 11:35:15 AM with 5 comments
I am thinking of an additional issue/risk in exposing PI to third parties, as such may have the ability to install an MITM solution, and capture information "in flight" (during transactions associated with filing), for a limited amount of people who are doing it, vs just leaving account data encrypted at rest for now, alongside millions of other accounts, and waiting for more info on what's being done in the SSA present activities.

  • by pwg on 2/18/2025, 12:02:43 PM

    In any case, you will have to file by Apr. 15, unless you request an extension. And even with an extension, you will have to file (IIRC) no later than Oct 15. So all you can do is delay the inevitable.

    Avoidance of MITM/in flight for electronic data is best done by not filing electronically (esp., given that if you use one of the tax prep packages, all your tax data flows through them unencrypted on its way to going to the IRS).

    Print the forms to paper, sign them, stuff into an envelope, and file via the US Mail (sending certified return receipt if you like).

  • by runjake on 2/18/2025, 5:49:22 PM

    It's fine. As far as I can tell from my end, nothing was delayed. Any data that could be leaked to "third-parties" (I assume you mean DOGE) has already been leaked several times by government and corporate mismanagement of your PII.

    You should have already frozen your credit. If you haven't, follow these steps. It should take you about 15 minutes.

    https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-freeze-cre...

  • by anon2549 on 2/18/2025, 3:19:56 PM

    No, it's not safe at all, but it's legally required.