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>Note, this security incident specifically concerns eFile.com and not identical sounding domains or IRS' e-file infrastructure.

What exactly does the author think "IRS-authorized" means?

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The author here. The name eFile(.)com is bound to confuse some readers who may mistake it for IRS' e-file system/API. Probably why the company chose that brand name (SEO or whatever). IRS-authorised software providers (who need to apply and get certified https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-... ) include those who can have taxpayers use their software to e-file returns to the IRS. These also include Intuit's TurboTax.

Anyway, there's that and confusing domain names likes like e-file(.com) that have got nothing to do with the concerned efile(.com) or the IRS, hence that note.

Other media outlets (e.g. https://www.pcworld.com/article/1682428/irs-certified-free-t... ) have put similar disclaimers in place for the avoidance of doubt: "(which is a separate, for-profit tax company, despite the identical name to IRS eFile)."

Thanks for noticing.

Probably means authorized by the IRS in some way, either as a stamp of approval or specifically authorized to use some sort of e-file api.

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