Dave Ramsey 4 Walls – What to Consider When Filing My Taxes Online

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

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

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

And in return, you can get any refund you are owed faster, particularly if you have it directly deposited into your bank account.

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

If you are Considering e-filing, some of the advantages include:

  1. Quick affirmation your forms are obtained: The IRS will confirm a tax filing has been received within 24 hours of digital submission.  For paper filers, the IRS does not send any acknowledgment 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 speed up the refund process.

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

  3. Easy payment process: If you owe the IRS money, it’s simpler to pay 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.  You also have the option to pay your balance by making use of the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking account or savings account, filing a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order. 

  4. Digital storage of taxation data: Submitting returns electronically means there’s an electronic copy of your tax documents.  If something happens to your paperwork, then you will have an electronic backup.

The fantastic news: Most taxpayers do opt to e-file and find those advantages — and the practice of doing this is simple.

The way to e-file a tax return?

The types do the math for you and provide standard guidance.  You can simply do your federal return with all these kinds. 

  • Use an internet tax preparation tax or service software: Tax prep software and online filing services are options.  These choices 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 can find volunteers to help prepare and e-file returns.  But eligibility for free help is typically limited based on income, and a few services appeal to specific demographic groups.  For instance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on assisting filers who are 60 and older. 
  • Hire a paid preparer: Paid tax preparers, including CPAs, can e-file yields for you if they’re authorized IRS e-file providers. The IRS maintains a database of licensed providers, but 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.  Actually, the IRS says it expected more than four tax returns to be submitted through tax return prep software.

    Is e-filing really secure?

    While e-filing is suitable, you may be worried about safety — especially with all these data breaches.  But experts agree that this is not a problem which should dissuade you from e-filing.

    “In actuality, it may be more secure than paper filing as you’re sending your private 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 the IRS has put security measures in place to keep your data secure.  “Trainers normally use IRS particular APIs that need token sessions,” Chow says.  “All of this is routed over TLS encrypted connections”

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

    Bottom line

    For most taxpayers, it makes sense to e-file a yield because it’s the most convenient way to submit your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and effortless payment choices.  Just make sure to use tax preparation software from a trusted source, so you can ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.