Jim Rohn Quotes – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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

Americans and the IRS might not agree about everything, but they’re mostly on the same page in regards 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 because it is a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

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

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

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

1. Quick affirmation your forms have been received: The IRS will affirm a tax filing was received within one day of electronic submission.  For paper filers, the IRS does not send any acknowledgment that your forms have arrived . 

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

3. Reduced likelihood of errors: According to the IRS, there is around a 1 percent error rate on e-filed returns, compared with a 20% speed of errors on paper filings.  The IRS also provides more information on issues discovered on e-filed returns compared with paper returns.

4. Easy payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it is easier to cover at your convenience if you e-file.  You can submit returns early and pay afterwards if needed, provided that you pay from 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 using the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking or savings account, filing a credit card through a payment processor for a fee, or paying by check or money order.  Just be aware delaying payment following the filing due date (typically April 15) can result in penalties and interest.

5. Digital storage of tax data: Submitting returns electronically implies there’s a digital copy of your tax documents.  If something happens to your paperwork, then you will have a digital backup.

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

Free File Fillable Forms — If your income is over $72,000 and you’re comfortable doing your earnings without any assistance, you can use Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. The forms do the math for you and provide basic advice.  You can only do your federal return with these forms. 

Use an internet tax preparation tax or service software: Tax preparation software and online filing services are options.  These options are an easy way to finish and e-file your forms.  Some applications providers charge for their programs, Some are free.   The program asks you simple questions about your own life and finances to guide you through the completion of your forms.  

Get complimentary, in-person tax aid: In most states, you will find volunteers to help prepare and e-file returns.  However, eligibility for free aid is typically limited based on income, and a few providers cater to specific demographic groups. 

Hire a paid preparer: Paid tax preparers, including CPAs, can e-file returns for you if they’re authorized IRS e-file providers. The IRS maintains a database of licensed providers, but you should be aware this alternative is very likely to be the most costly one. 

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

Is e-filing really secure?

While e-filing is suitable, you may be worried about security — particularly with all these data breaches.  But experts agree this isn’t a problem that should dissuade you by e-filing.

“In actuality, it may be more secure than paper filing as you’re sending your private information through an encrypted system rather than exposing your information in the email.”

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

It is very important to use a trusted service to help you record your taxes.  Chow advises to not e-file on a computer or use an online connection which isn’t confidential.

Bottom line

For most taxpayers, it makes sense to e-file a yield because 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 be certain that you use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so that you may make certain the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept secure.