Richard Branson Haircut – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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

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

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

When you e-file your federal income tax return, you save the IRS money because its employees don’t need to spend time manually processing your return. And in return, you could get any refund you are owed faster, particularly in the event that you have it directly deposited into your bank accounts.

However, what about safety?  And can electronic filing really provide you access to all the forms you might need in case you have a intricate tax situation?  Are there situations when you can’t e-file?  Let’s look at the benefits of e-filing, and if it might be the best filing choice for your needs.

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

1. Quick confirmation your forms are 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 safely. 

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 receive your money in three weeks or not.  Choosing direct deposit may also speed up the refund procedure.

3. Reduced likelihood of errors: 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 information on problems discovered on e-filed returns compared with paper returns.

4. Easy payment process: If you owe the IRS money, it’s simpler to cover at your advantage when you e-file.  You can submit returns early and pay later if needed, as long as you pay from the April 15 filing deadline.  And you’re able to schedule electronic money transfers to easily send the IRS what you owe on a date of your choosing again, as long as the IRS receives your payment by Tax Day. Additionally you have the option to pay your balance by making use of the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking or savings accounts, submitting a credit card through a payment processor for a fee, or paying by check or money order.  Just be aware delaying payment after the filing due date (typically April 15) can lead to penalties and interest.

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

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

The types do the math for you and offer basic guidance.  You can simply do your federal return with these forms. 

Use an internet tax preparation service or tax software: Tax preparation software and online filing services are options.  These choices are an easy way to complete and e-file your forms.  Some software providers charge for their apps, Some are liberated.   The program asks you simple questions about your own life and finances to steer 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 earnings, and some providers appeal to particular demographic groups.  By way of instance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on assisting filers who are 60 and older.  The IRS maintains a record of licensed providers, but 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 the majority of taxpayers.  In fact, the IRS says it expected more than four in five tax returns to be submitted through tax return prep program.

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 is not an issue that should dissuade you by e-filing.

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

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

It’s very important to use a trustworthy service to help you file your taxes.  Chow advises not to e-file on a public computer or use an online connection that is not confidential.

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 easy payment choices.  Just be sure to use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so you can ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept secure.