How do I create a Dropbox account and share documents with you?
To create an account, go to their home page (www.dropbox.com) and provide your name, email address, and a password. You can also sign up through your Google account. They'll then prompt you to download and install their application, which is convenient for syncing to your desktop, but not required. You can just navigate back to their home page and you'll be signed in to your new account. You get 2GB of free storage.
We recommend setting up two-step verification in your security settings for your Dropbox account, and using a very strong password. (That's what we do.)
We’ll set up a folder and share it with you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return). You’ll have privileges to delete documents, and we’ll be happy to delete them for you if you wish. Otherwise, your tax documents will be stored there in perpetuity, so you always have access to them.
What if I don't want to set up a Dropbox account?
Not a problem at all. If you still want to share files electronically but just don't want to sign up for a Dropbox account, we can still create a Dropbox folder for you to access and upload your files to, and share it with you via a link. However, this is a little less secure than sharing directly between two accounts, because technically anyone with the link can access the files.
We’re also open to hearing other methods of electronic transfer/storage, and experimenting with a secure mobile app for document sharing. However, having learned the hard way about how difficult it is to conduct an efficient and price-conscious business while operating via US Mail and paper forms, we’re no longer offering that option as of the 2020 season.
How can I be sure that sharing files via Dropbox is secure?
If you're comfortable sharing files electronically, you should be comfortable sharing files via Dropbox. The files are encrypted both on transfer and on their servers, using standards that are almost impossible to crack. Here is Dropbox’s briefing on how it keeps files secure.
How do I create electronic files of documents I only have on paper?
Our suggestion is to take photos, and to upload those to your Dropbox folder. It is simplest and easiest to take the photos with your smartphone and then put the photos in your Dropbox folder via the Dropbox app.Alternatively, you can use a different digital camera and transfer the files to your desktop computer via a cable or removable storage, and then upload to your Dropbox folder. We strongly suggest against any solution where you need to email files, even to yourself.
