[Stacie says: I have to say that I Loooove electronic filing. From a preparer standpoint, it has its advantages. A major advantage for me is that my office, when possible, is paperless. All my client files are electronic..and yes I have all kinds of backup…whenever possible I send my clients their tax returns paperless-ly and I love being able to hit a button and know that the return is instantly signed and out the door – No processing, sorting, mailing, yuk – no worrying about clients who travel or who are not around to sign and mail a paper return. 

And how great is it to file extensions electronically?  I mean fill out a form hit a button and receive confirmation that it is complete and accepted and on time.  How great is that!.  Plus electronic paperless filing allows me to work from anywhere.  My electronic files are easily accessed (with my set up) from anywhere in the world (as long as I have internet access).  And since I don’t need to print, I can work on the beach, in the mountains, follow my husband on his business trips, whatever… and my office is right at my fingertips. 

Did I say I Looooove electronic filing!]

Last year, 2 out of 3 tax returns were filed electronically. Was yours? If not, here are three important reasons to e-file your return.

• It’s fast Your tax return will get processed more quickly if you use e-file.  If there is an error on your return, it will typically be identified and can be corrected right away.  If you file electronically and choose to have your tax refund deposited directly into your bank account, you will have your money in as few as 10 days.
• It’s safe The IRS is fully committed to protecting your tax information and e-filed returns are protected by the latest technology. In 20 years, nearly  800 million e-filed returns have been processed safely and securely by the IRS. 
• It’s time Don’t miss out on the benefits of e-file, 2 out of 3 taxpayers, 95 million, already get the benefits of e-file.

E-file software reduces the chance of making errors when you prepare your return.   However, some people still print the computer generated return and mail it to the IRS instead of hitting the “Send” button.  By mailing the return, taxpayers miss out on some important benefits of IRS e-file.

• With e-file, you get the peace of mind that comes with the electronic receipt you’ll receive notifying you that the IRS received your tax return. 
• Virtually everyone can prepare a return and file it for free.  For the second year, the IRS and its partners are offering the option of Free File Fillable Forms. Another option is Traditional Free File.  About 98 million taxpayers – 70% of all taxpayers – are eligible for the IRS Traditional Free File.  Traditional Free File is a service offered by software companies and the IRS in partnership to provide free tax preparation software and free filing. 
• E-file is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the convenience of your own home. 
• If you owe money to the IRS, e-file also allows you to file your tax return early and delay payment up until the due date.
• In 37 states and the District of Columbia, you can simultaneously e-file your federal and state tax returns.

Find out more about E-file at IRS.gov.