Rhonda Byrne 2017 – Should I E-file 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 about everything, but they’re mostly on precisely 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 popular because it’s a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

If you e-file your federal income tax return, you save the IRS money because its workers don’t have to spend time manually processing your return. And in return, you can find any refund you are owed quicker, particularly in the event that you have it directly deposited into your bank account.

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

If you are 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 one day of electronic submission.  For paper filers, the IRS does not send any acknowledgment your forms have arrived . 

    Timely refunds: When you submit a paper filing, it may take six to eight months to be given a tax refund.  With e-filing, you are going to get your money in 3 weeks or less.  Choosing direct deposit may also accelerate the refund process.

  2. Reduced chance of errors: According to the IRS, there’s approximately a 1% error rate on e-filed returns, 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 process: If you owe the IRS money, it is easier to pay at your convenience if you e-file.  It’s possible to submit returns early and pay afterwards if necessary, as long as you pay from the April 15 filing deadline.  And you’re able to schedule electronic funds transfers to easily send the IRS what you owe on a date of your choosing again, provided that the IRS receives your payment by Tax Day. Additionally you have the option to pay your balance by using the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking or savings account, submitting a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order. 

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

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

  • Free File Fillable Forms — If your income is over $72,000 and you are 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 standard advice.  You can simply do your federal return with these forms. 
  • Use an online tax preparation tax or service applications: Tax preparation software and online filing services are alternatives.  These options are an easy way to finish and e-file your forms.  Some software providers charge for their programs, Some are free.   The software asks you simple questions about your own life and financing to guide you through the completion of your types.  
  • Get free, in-person tax help: In most states, you can find volunteers to help prepare and e-file yields.  However, eligibility for free help is typically limited based on earnings, and a few providers cater to particular demographic groups.  The IRS maintains a database of authorized providers, but you should be aware this alternative is likely to be the most costly one. 

    Using online tax preparation software is far and away the preferred approach of the majority of 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 secure?

    While e-filing is suitable, you could be worried about security — particularly with all these data breaches.  But experts agree this is not a problem which should deter you by e-filing.

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

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

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

    Bottom line

    For many taxpayers, it is sensible to e-file a return since it’s the most convenient way to submit your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and easy payment choices.  Just be certain to use tax preparation software from a trusted source, so you may ensure the information which you supply to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.