Robert Kiyosaki Boston – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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Is e-filing a much better way to record 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.

The majority of individual income tax returns filed to the IRS are e-filed.  E-filing is a favorite as it’s a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

In return, you could find any refund you are owed faster, particularly 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 you might need in case you have a complex tax situation?  Are there ever situations when you can not e-file?  Let us look at the advantages of e-filing, and if it might be the best filing choice for your needs.

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

  1. Quick affirmation your forms are obtained: The IRS will affirm a tax filing has been received within 24 hours of digital submission.  For paper filers, the IRS doesn’t send any acknowledgment your forms have arrived . 

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

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

  3. Simple payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it is easier to cover at your convenience when you e-file.  You can submit returns early and pay afterwards if needed, provided that you pay from the April 15 filing deadline.  Additionally you have the choice to pay your balance by using the IRS Direct pay service from the checking account 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 result in interest and penalties.

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

The fantastic news: Most taxpayers do decide to e-file and get those benefits — and the practice of doing so is simple.

You have four choices for submitting an electronically filed tax return to the IRS.

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

  • Use an online tax preparation tax or service applications: Tax prep software and online filing services are options.  These options are a simple way to complete and e-file your forms.  Some applications suppliers charge for their apps, Some are free.   The program asks you simple questions about your life and financing to steer 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 aid is normally restricted based on earnings, and some services appeal to specific demographic groups.  For instance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on helping filers that are 60 and older. 
  • 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 record of authorized providers, but you should be aware this option is 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 expected more than four tax returns to be filed through tax return prep software.

    Is e-filing really stable?

    While e-filing is convenient, you may worry about safety — particularly with all these data breaches.  But experts agree this is not an issue that should deter you from e-filing.

    “E-filing a tax return has turned out to be a very secure way to file your taxes,” says Scott Grissom, vice president of product direction, marketing and revenue at LegalShield. “In fact, it can be more secure than paper filing since you’re sending your private information through an encrypted system as opposed to exposing your data in the email.”

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

    It is very important to employ a trusted service that will help you record your taxes.  Chow advises to not e-file on a computer or use an online connection which 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 effortless payment options.  Just make certain to use tax planning software from a dependable source, so that you can ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.