How secure is tax data sent electronically?

If you use a tax professional: Tax return data submitted by professional tax preparers is transmitted through either the IRS or through the state's private secured network in accordance with rules and procedures implemented to insure tax information confidentiality.

If you file online: Check with your online provider if you have questions about the security of the sites. Most Internet sites are equipped to prevent unauthorized people from seeing the data sent to or from those sites. Once your tax information has been transmitted to a Web site, the data is sent to the Comptroller's Office through the state's electronic filing network. This network does not use the Internet; it is a private network designed to meet the highest security standards.