Is e-filing a much better way to file your taxes?
Americans and the IRS might not agree on everything, but they’re mostly on precisely the exact same page in regards to e-filing individual income tax returns.
Nearly all individual income tax returns submitted to the IRS are e-filed.
In return, you can get any refund you’re owed quicker, particularly if you have it directly deposited into your bank account.
But what about security? And can digital filing actually provide you access to all the forms you may need if you have a complex tax situation? Are there ever situations when you can’t e-file? Let’s look at the benefits of e-filing, and whether it might be the very best filing choice for your requirements.
If you’re Considering e-filing, some of the advantages include:
- Quick affirmation your forms are received: The IRS will confirm a tax filing was received within one day of digital submission. For paper filers, the IRS doesn’t send any acknowledgment your forms have arrived safely.
Timely refunds: When you publish a paper filing, it can take six to eight months to be given a tax refund. With e-filing, you’ll get your money in three weeks or less. Choosing direct deposit may also accelerate the refund procedure.
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Reduced chance of mistakes: In accordance with the IRS, there is around a 1% error rate on e-filed returns, compared with a 20% rate of mistakes on paper filings. The IRS also provides more info on issues discovered on e-filed returns compared with paper returns.
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Easy payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it is easier to cover at your convenience when you e-file. It’s possible to submit returns early and pay later if necessary, as long as you pay by the April 15 filing deadline. Additionally you have the choice to pay your balance by using the IRS Direct pay service from your checking account 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 after the filing due date (typically April 15) can lead to penalties and interest.
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Digital storage of tax data: Submitting returns electronically implies there’s an electronic 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 get those advantages — and the practice of doing so is simple.
How to e-file a tax return?
Using online tax preparation software is far and away the favored approach of the majority of taxpayers. In fact, the IRS says it expected more than four tax returns to be filed through tax return prep software.
Is e-filing really secure?
While e-filing is suitable, you may worry about safety — particularly with so many data breaches. But experts agree that this is not a problem which should deter you by e-filing.
“In actuality, it can be more secure than paper filing as you’re sending your personal information through an encrypted system rather than exposing your data 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 information secure. “Vendors typically utilize IRS particular APIs that need ab sessions,” Chow says. “All this can be routed over TLS encrypted connections.”
It’s very important to use a trustworthy service that will help you record your taxes. Chow advises to not e-file on a computer or use an online connection that is not confidential.
Bottom line
For many taxpayers, it makes sense to e-file a yield because it is the most convenient way to submit your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and effortless payment options. Just be certain that you use tax planning software from a trusted source, so you may ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept secure.