Warren Buffett College – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

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Is e-filing really a better way to record your taxes? 

Americans and the IRS may not agree on everything, but they’re largely on the exact same page in regards to e-filing individual income tax returns.

The majority of individual income tax returns submitted to the IRS are e-filed. 

In return, you can get any refund you are owed quicker, especially in the event that you have it directly deposited to your bank accounts.

However, what about safety?  And can digital filing actually give you access to all the forms you might need if you have a intricate tax situation?  Are there ever situations when you can not e-file?  Let us look at the benefits of e-filing, and whether it may be the best filing choice for your requirements.

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

  1. Quick confirmation your forms have been obtained: The IRS will confirm a tax filing has been received within one day of digital submission.  For paper filers, the IRS does not send any acknowledgment that your forms have arrived . 

    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 3 weeks or less.  Choosing direct deposit can also accelerate the refund procedure.

  2. Reduced likelihood of mistakes: In accordance with 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 information on problems discovered on e-filed yields compared with paper yields.

  3. Easy payment process: If you owe the IRS money, it’s easier to cover at your convenience if you e-file.  You can submit returns early and pay later if necessary, as long as you pay from the April 15 filing deadline.  Additionally you have the option to pay your balance by making use of the IRS Direct pay service from your 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 after the filing due date (typically April 15) will lead to interest and penalties.

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

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

How to e-file a tax return?

  • Free File Fillable Forms — If your income is over $72,000 and you are comfortable doing your taxes without any assistance, you can use Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. The types do the math for you and offer standard advice.  You can simply do your federal return with these kinds. 
  • Use an internet tax preparation tax or service applications: Tax prep software and online filing services are options.  These choices are a simple way to finish and e-file your own forms.  Some software providers charge for their apps, Some are free.   The software asks you simple questions about your own life and finances to guide you through the completion of your forms.  
  • Get free, in-person tax help: In most states, you will find volunteers to help prepare and e-file returns.  But eligibility for free help is typically limited based on income, and a few providers appeal to particular demographic groups.  The IRS maintains a record of authorized 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.  In fact, the IRS says it expected more than four in five tax returns to be filed through tax return prep program.

    Is e-filing really stable?

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

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

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

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

    Bottom line

    For many taxpayers, it is sensible to e-file a return because it is the most convenient way to submit your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and easy payment choices.  Just make certain that you use tax planning software from a trusted source, so you can make certain the information you provide to transmit to the IRS is going to be kept protected.