Dave Ramsey Advice – What to Consider When Filing My Taxes Online

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

Americans and the IRS may not agree about everything, but they are mostly on precisely the exact same page when it comes to e-filing individual income tax returns.

Nearly all individual income tax returns filed to the IRS are e-filed.  E-filing is a favorite because it is a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

In return, you can find any refund you are owed faster, especially in the event that you have it directly deposited to your bank account.

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

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

  1. Quick confirmation your forms are obtained: The IRS will confirm a tax filing has been received within one day of electronic 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 can also speed up the refund process.

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

  3. Simple payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it’s easier to cover at your advantage if you e-file.  You can submit returns early and pay afterwards if necessary, as long as you pay by the April 15 filing deadline.  Additionally you have the option to pay your balance by using the IRS Direct pay service from the checking or savings account, filing a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order.  Just be aware delaying payment following the filing due date (typically April 15) will lead to interest and penalties.

  4. Digital storage of tax information: Submitting returns electronically means there is a digital copy of your tax records.  So if something happens to your paperwork, you will have an electronic backup.

The good news: Most taxpayers do opt to e-file and find those benefits — and the process of doing this is simple.

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

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

  • Utilize an internet tax preparation tax or service software: 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 free.   The program asks you simple questions about your own life and financing to guide you through the completion of your forms.  
  • Get complimentary, in-person tax aid: In most states, you can find volunteers to help prepare and e-file yields.  But eligibility for free help is typically limited based on earnings, and a few services cater to specific demographic groups. 
  • Hire a paid preparer: Paid tax preparers, such as CPAs, can e-file returns for you if they are licensed IRS e-file providers. The IRS maintains a database of authorized providers, but you should be aware this option is very likely to be the most costly one. 

    Employing online tax prep software is far and away the preferred approach of most taxpayers.  In fact, the IRS says it anticipated over four in five tax returns to be filed through tax return prep software.

    Is e-filing really stable?

    While e-filing is convenient, you could be worried about security — especially with all these data breaches.  But experts agree this is not a problem that 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 network rather than exposing your information in the mail.”

    Dennis Chow, vice president of information security at SCIS Security, clarifies that the IRS has put security measures in place to keep your data safe.  “Trainers normally use IRS particular APIs that need ab sessions,” Chow says.  “All of this is routed over TLS encrypted links “

    It’s very important to employ a trusted service to help you record your taxes.  Chow advises not to e-file on a computer or use an internet connection that isn’t private.

    Bottom line

    For many taxpayers, it is sensible to e-file a return because it is 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 trusted source, so you can ensure the information you provide to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept protected.