In plain English, a Secure Portal is no more than a website that allows you to upload and download files securely via an HTTPS connection. This security mechanism scrambles all the information flowing back and forth between your machine and the portal.

Why go to all this trouble? Why not just send an email with your files attached? Sending an email over traditional systems is much like sending a paper postcard. Anyone that 'sees' the message pass by as it transverses the Internet can read the information inside the message, including information inside any attachments.

Haynes Strand and Company PLLC currently provides access to a Secure Portal for clients that wish to exchange files electronically.

Login:
Login to the portal using your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the Forgot your password link. If you have never been setup to access the portal, contact us directly to request access. Once logged in, notice that files are stored in your "Extended" folder.

Download:
You may click filenames that appear in the list to download or open them. A drop-down arrow to the right of the file name offers more advanced functions.

Upload:
To upload files, make sure you are inside the "Extended" folder and click the "Upload Files" button. If you are having problems uploading, use the "Standard" uploader which is compatible with all browsers and operating systems rather than the more advanced "Flash" or "Java" uploaders.

Please note that you can only "Upload Files" when you are inside an "Extended" folder.

Folder Management:
Please do not add subfolders inside your Extended folder. Creating folders could cause technical issues when we receive your files.

Accessing Multiple Entities:
If you have multiple taxable entities, use the "Home" button in the top left corner or the navigation arrows just below that to access each entity. As above, remember that files are uploaded and downloaded within the "Extended" folder below each taxable entity. If you believe you should have access to an entity that does not appear in your list after clicking "Home", please contact us directly.

Notification settings:
You may receive email notifications as files are uploaded or downloaded from the portal. Notification emails state the file name and provide a direct link to the file. Also in the notification email you will find a link to change the frequency of notification. This allows you to receive notifications concerning file activity at intervals other than in 'real time' as each file is processed. If you do NOT wish to receive email notifications about file activity, please contact us.