B Team Richard Branson – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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Is e-filing a much better way to record your taxes? 

Americans and the IRS may not agree on everything, but they’re largely on the exact same page when it comes to e-filing individual income tax returns.

The majority of individual income tax returns filed to the IRS are e-filed.  E-filing is a favorite as it is a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

And in return, you can get any refund you are owed faster, especially in the event that you have it directly deposited into your bank account.

However, what about safety?  And can electronic filing actually provide you access to all of the forms that you may need in case you have a intricate tax situation?  Are there ever situations when you can not e-file?  Let’s look at the advantages of e-filing, and whether it might be the very best filing option for your requirements.

If you’re Considering e-filing, a Few of the advantages include:

  1. Quick affirmation your forms have been obtained: The IRS will confirm a tax filing was received within one day of digital submission.  For paper filers, the IRS doesn’t send any acknowledgment that your forms have arrived safely. 

    Timely refunds: When you submit a paper filing, it may take six to eight weeks to be given a tax refund.  With e-filing, you’ll get your money in 3 weeks or not.  Choosing direct deposit may also accelerate the refund procedure.

  2. Reduced chance of errors: In accordance with the IRS, there is around a 1 percent error rate on e-filed yields, compared with a 20% rate of mistakes on paper filings.  The IRS also provides more information on problems discovered on e-filed yields compared with paper returns.

  3. Simple payment process: If you owe the IRS money, it is easier to cover at your advantage if you e-file.  It’s possible to submit returns early and pay afterwards if needed, as long as you pay by the April 15 filing deadline.  Additionally you have the choice to pay your balance by using the IRS Immediate pay service from your checking account or savings accounts, filing a credit card through a payment processor for a fee, or paying by check or money order.  Just be aware delaying payment after the filing due date (typically April 15) will lead to interest and penalties.

  4. Digital storage of tax data: Submitting returns electronically implies there’s an electronic backup of your tax records.  If something happens to your paperwork, you’ll have a digital backup.

The fantastic news: Most taxpayers do decide to e-file and get those benefits — and the practice of doing this is easy.

How to e-file a tax return?

You have four choices for filing an electronically filed tax return to the IRS.

The forms do the math for you and provide basic guidance.  You can simply do your federal return with all these forms. 

  • Use an internet tax preparation service or tax applications: Tax preparation software and online filing services are alternatives.  These choices are an easy way to finish and e-file your own forms.  Some software providers charge for their apps, Some are liberated.   The program asks you simple questions about your own life and financing to steer you through the completion of your types.  
  • Get free, in-person tax aid: In most states, you will find volunteers to help prepare and e-file yields.  However, eligibility for free help is normally restricted based on earnings, and some services appeal to specific demographic groups.  For example, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on assisting filers who are 60 and older.  The IRS maintains a record of authorized providers, but you should be aware this alternative is very likely to be the most costly one. 

    • Using online tax preparation software is far and away the preferred approach of most taxpayers.  In fact, the IRS says it anticipated more than four tax returns to be filed through tax return prep software.

    Is e-filing really stable?

    While e-filing is suitable, you could be worried about security — particularly with so many data breaches.  But experts agree this isn’t an issue which should dissuade you by e-filing.

    “In fact, it can be more secure than paper filing since you’re sending your personal information through an encrypted system as opposed to exposing your information in the email.”

    Dennis Chow, vice president of information security at SCIS Security, explains that the IRS has set safety measures in place to keep your information secure.  “Vendors typically utilize IRS particular APIs that require ab sessions,” Chow says.  “All this is routed over TLS encrypted links .”

    It’s important to employ a trustworthy service that will assist you record your taxes.  Chow advises not to e-file on a computer or use an online connection which isn’t private.

    Bottom line

    For many taxpayers, it makes sense to e-file a return since it is the most convenient way to file your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and effortless payment options.  Just make certain that you use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so that you may ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.