Anyone ever been asked for photos of your ID and Social Security card, when filing taxes online?

[arcane1]

21. Sure! Here is my post to their Facebook page, and their response:

Me:

My return would be done by now if you didn't keep asking me, without explanation, to take digital photographs of my personal ID and Social Security cards and email them to an anonymous address, only to receive no response other than "send another photo" 48 hours later.
How can I be certain those photographs are secure? Are you trying to file my taxes or steal my identity?
I was directed to this service via a link on IRS.gov, and I will be sharing this experience with them.
PS: I filed my returns within 15 minutes at freetaxusa.com, and it was only 12 bucks



Their reply:

Our process is intended to be the digital equivalent of showing an ID, just like you would have to if you were using a credit card to pay for a purchase at the grocery store. We will continue to find ways to make this process more convenient for you.

(name removed) thank you for writing in with your concerns. We ask for verification of your identity in order to prevent fraud. As you know, the IRS reported a rise in tax scams (for more information, view our article here https://www.esmarttax.com/.../post-holiday-fraud-alert.../). Your security, protecting you from identity theft, and the accuracy of your return are our highest prirorities.