The IRS Presents Three Reasons to Prepare and File Your Taxes Electronically(plus some Stacie Says)
[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.
The IRS Presents: Eight Tips to Help You Choose a Tax Preparer
The IRS urges people to use care and caution when choosing a tax preparer. Remember, you are legally responsible for what’s on your tax return even if it was prepared by an another individual or firm.
Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, unscrupulous tax return preparers do exist and can cause considerable financial and legal problems for their clients. Therefore, it’s important to find a qualified tax professional.
The following tips will help you choose a preparer who will offer the best service for your tax preparation needs.
- Check the person’s qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
- Check on the preparer’s history Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state’s board of accountancy for CPAs or the state’s bar association for attorneys.
- Find out about their service fees Avoid preparers that base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
- Make sure the tax preparer is accessible Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after April 15, in case questions arise.
- Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
- Never sign a blank return Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
- Review the entire return before signing it Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
- Make sure the preparer signs the form A paid preparer must sign the return as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return. The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.
You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888. Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.
Links:
- Form 3949-A Information Referral (PDF 94K)
- Where Do You Report Suspected Fraud Activity?
Stacie's Tax Stuff 