Zig Ziglar Books – Should I E-file My Taxes Online

by

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

Americans and the IRS might not agree on everything, but they are largely on the exact same page when it comes to e-filing individual income tax returns.

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

If you e-file your federal income tax return, you save the IRS money because its employees do not need to spend time manually processing your return. In return, you can find any refund you’re owed faster, especially if you have it directly deposited to your bank account.

However, what about security?  And can digital filing actually give you access to all of the forms that you might need if you’ve got a complex tax situation?  Are there ever situations when you can’t e-file?  Let us look at the benefits of e-filing, and if it might be the best filing choice for your requirements.

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

  1. Quick confirmation your forms are obtained: The IRS will affirm 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 . 

  2. Timely refunds: When you submit 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 less.  Choosing direct deposit may also accelerate the refund process.

  3. Reduced likelihood of mistakes: In accordance with the IRS, there is around a 1 percent error rate on e-filed returns, compared with a 20% rate of errors on paper filings.  The IRS also provides more information on issues discovered on e-filed returns compared with paper yields.

  4. Easy payment procedure: If you owe the IRS money, it’s simpler to cover at your convenience if you e-file.  It’s possible to submit returns early and pay later if needed, as long as you pay by the April 15 filing deadline.  And you can schedule electronic funds transfers to send the IRS what you owe on a date of your choosing again, provided that the IRS receives your payment by Tax Day. Additionally you have the option to pay your balance by using the IRS Direct pay service from the checking account or savings account, submitting a credit card through a payment processor for a commission, or paying by check or money order.  Just be aware delaying payment after the filing due date (typically April 15) can lead to interest and penalties.

  5. Digital storage of tax information: Submitting returns electronically implies there’s a digital backup of your tax documents.  So if something happens to your paperwork, then you’ll have a digital backup.

The good news: Most taxpayers do opt to e-file and get those benefits — and the practice of doing so is easy.

How to e-file a tax return?

  • Free File Fillable Types — If your income is over $72,000 and you’re comfortable doing your taxes without help, you can use Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. The forms do the math for you and provide standard advice.  You can only do your federal return with all these forms. 
  • Utilize an internet tax preparation service or tax software: Tax preparation software and online filing services are alternatives.  These options are an easy way to complete and e-file your own forms.  Some applications suppliers charge for their apps, Some are free.   The program asks you simple questions about your life and finances to steer you through the completion of your types.  
  • Get free, in-person tax help: In most states, you can find volunteers to help prepare and e-file yields.  But eligibility for free aid is typically limited based on income, and a few providers appeal to specific demographic groups.  The IRS maintains a database of authorized providers, but you should be aware this option is very likely to be the most costly one. 

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

    Is e-filing really stable?

    While e-filing is convenient, you may worry about security — especially with so many data breaches.  But experts agree this isn’t a problem that should deter you by e-filing.

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

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

    It’s very important to employ a trustworthy service that will help you file your taxes.  Chow advises not to e-file on a computer or use an online connection that isn’t 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 effortless payment choices.  Just be sure to use tax preparation software from a dependable source, so that you may ensure the information which you provide to transmit to the IRS will be kept protected.