This announcement is not about the IRS pre-filling income tax returns, a topic that is discussed regularly on HN. This is about handling all the other activiti

This announcement is not about the IRS pre-filling income tax returns, a topic that is discussed regularly on HN. This is about handling all the other activities surrounding tax filing, such as getting copies of 3rd-party information returns (W-2s, 1099-Rs, etc), receiving and responding to notices regarding errors or questions in the previously filed tax return, etc. California FTB (tax agency) set up an online system for taxpayers starting five or more years ago, with continuing enhancements since then. IRS is just now catching up, by providing the ability for a taxpayer (or tax practitioner with permission) to create a secure login account with access to their personal information.