Zig Ziglar Audio – 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 might not agree about everything, but they are 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.  E-filing is popular because it’s a win-win for taxpayers and the IRS.

And in return, you can get any refund you are owed faster, especially if you have it directly deposited into your bank accounts.

However, what about security?  And can digital filing actually give you access to all of the forms you might need in case you have a intricate tax situation?  Are there ever situations when you can not e-file?  Let’s look at the benefits of e-filing, and if it might be the very best filing option for your requirements.

If you are Considering e-filing, some of the advantages include:

  1. Quick confirmation your forms are received: 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 that your forms have arrived safely. 

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

  3. Reduced likelihood of errors: According to the IRS, there’s around a 1% error rate on e-filed returns, compared with a 20% speed of errors on paper filings.  The IRS also provides more information on problems discovered on e-filed yields compared with paper returns.

  4. Easy payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it is simpler to cover at your convenience if you e-file.  It’s possible to submit returns early and pay afterwards if necessary, provided that you pay from the April 15 filing deadline.  And you can 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 choice to pay your balance by using the IRS Immediate pay service from the checking or savings accounts, filing a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order. 

  5. Digital storage of taxation data: Submitting returns electronically implies there is a digital copy 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 benefits — and the process of doing this is simple.

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

  • Utilize an online tax preparation service or tax software: Tax prep software and online filing services are alternatives.  These options are a simple way to complete and e-file your forms.  Some software providers charge for their apps, Some are free.   The software asks you simple questions about your life and finances to steer you through the completion of your types.  
  • Get complimentary, in-person tax aid: In most states, you will find volunteers to help prepare and e-file returns.  But eligibility for free help is typically limited based on earnings, and some providers cater to particular demographic groups.  For instance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs focus primarily on assisting filers that are 60 and older. 
  • Hire a paid preparer: Paid tax preparers, such as CPAs, can e-file yields for you if they’re authorized IRS e-file providers. The IRS maintains a database of authorized providers, but be aware this option is likely to be the most costly one. 

    • Using online tax preparation software is far and away the favored approach of most taxpayers.  Actually, the IRS says it expected over four in five tax returns to be filed through tax return prep program.

    Is e-filing really secure?

    While e-filing is convenient, you may worry about safety — particularly with all these data breaches.  But experts agree this isn’t an issue which should deter you by e-filing.

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

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

    It’s important to use a trusted service to assist you file your taxes.  Chow advises to not e-file on a computer or use an internet connection which is not confidential.

    Bottom line

    For most taxpayers, it is sensible to e-file a yield because it is the most convenient way to file your tax information to the IRS and it allows for timely refunds and effortless payment choices.  Just make certain that you use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so you can ensure the information you provide to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.