Dale Carnegie Social Media – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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

Americans and the IRS might not agree on everything, but they’re mostly on the same page in regards to e-filing individual income tax returns.

Nearly all individual income tax returns submitted to the IRS are e-filed. 

When you e-file your federal income tax return, you save the IRS cash because its workers do not need to spend time manually processing your return. And in return, you could get any refund you’re owed quicker, especially in the event that you have it directly deposited to your bank account.

However, what about security?  And can digital filing really give you access to all of the forms that you may need in case you’ve got a complex tax situation?  Are there situations when you can’t e-file?  Let us look at the benefits of e-filing, and whether it may be the best filing option for your needs.

If you’re thinking about e-filing, some of the advantages include:

  1. Quick confirmation your forms have been obtained: The IRS will confirm a tax filing was received within 24 hours of electronic submission.  For paper filers, the IRS does not send any acknowledgment your forms have arrived safely. 

  2. Timely refunds: When you publish a paper filing, it can take six to eight months to receive a tax refund.  With e-filing, you’ll get your money in three weeks or not.  Choosing direct deposit may also speed up the refund procedure.

  3. Reduced likelihood of mistakes: In accordance with the IRS, there’s approximately a 1 percent error rate on e-filed yields, compared with a 20% speed of errors on paper filings.  The IRS also provides more information on issues discovered on e-filed yields compared with paper returns.

  4. Simple payment process: If you owe the IRS money, it is simpler to pay at your convenience when you e-file.  It’s possible to submit returns early and pay later if needed, provided that you pay by the April 15 filing deadline.  And you’re able to schedule electronic funds transfers to send the IRS what you owe on a date of your choosing again, as long as the IRS receives your payment by Tax Day. You also have the choice to pay your balance by making use of the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking account or savings account, submitting a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order. 

  5. Digital storage of taxation information: Submitting returns electronically implies there’s a digital backup of your tax records.  If something happens to your paperwork, then you’ll have a digital backup.

The fantastic news: Most taxpayers do decide to e-file and get those advantages — 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 types do the math for you and provide standard advice.  You can only do your federal return with these kinds. 

  • Utilize an online tax preparation tax or service software: Tax preparation software and online filing services are options.  These options are a simple way to complete and e-file your forms.  Some software providers charge for their programs, Some are free.   The program asks you simple questions about your life and finances to guide you through the completion of your types.  
  • Get complimentary, in-person tax aid: In most states, you will find volunteers to help prepare and e-file yields.  But eligibility for free help is typically limited based on income, and some providers cater to specific demographic groups.  For example, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on helping filers that are 60 and older. 
  • Hire a paid preparer: Paid tax preparers, such as CPAs, can e-file returns for you if they’re authorized IRS e-file providers. The IRS maintains a record of licensed providers, but you should be aware this option is likely to be the most costly one. 

    • Using online tax preparation software is far and away the favored approach of most taxpayers.  Actually, the IRS says it expected over four tax returns to be submitted through tax return prep program.

    Is e-filing really stable?

    While e-filing is convenient, you may be worried about security — particularly with so many data breaches.  But experts agree this is not an issue which should deter you by e-filing.

    “In fact, it may be more secure than paper filing as you’re sending your private information through an encrypted network as opposed to exposing your information in the mail.”

    Dennis Chow, vice president of information security at SCIS Security, clarifies that the IRS has put safety measures in place to keep your data safe.  “Vendors typically utilize IRS particular APIs that need token sessions,” Chow says.  “All this can be routed over TLS encrypted connections.”

    It is very important to employ a trustworthy service that will assist you file your taxes.  Chow advises not to e-file on a computer or utilize an internet connection that is not confidential.

    Bottom line

    For most taxpayers, it makes sense to e-file a return because it’s the most convenient way to file your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and easy payment choices.  Just be sure to use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so that you may ensure the information you supply to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept secure.