I am a new Colorado resident, and filed my first tax return online with tax prep software.
(Thinkstock)
This week, I received a letter from the state rejecting my return due to insufficient information. A quick search suggests that new Colorado residents cannot submit taxes online the first year, presumably to fight fraud.
The letter asks for copies of my W-2, 1099, driver s license, Social Security card, and final 2015 pay stub. However, there was a major red flag in the return instructions. In addition to fax and mail, they also accept e-mail submissions of the required documents.
E-mail is inherently insecure. Numerous national and global standards strongly discourage sending any sensitive information through e-mail. Social Security numbers, combined with tax and employer information, are the cornerstones of identity theft.
The Department of Revenue should eliminate this e-mail option, instead providing a secure online submission option to better protect Colorado residents.
Randy Gross, Colorado Springs
This letter was published in the April 20 edition.
