Washington, D.C. – In 2012, more than 80 percent of all taxpayers opted for the safest, fastest and easiest way to submit their individual tax returns — IRS e-file.
E-file is now the norm. Since e-filing began, taxpayers have e-filed more than 1 billion individual income tax returns safely and securely. And now, with Free File, everyone can file Form 1040 series tax returns for free.
The number of people who use a paper tax return or who mail a tax return dwindles each year – and for good reason. An e-filed tax return is safe and secure and is much less subject to errors than a paper return.
With an e-filed return, the taxpayer receives an acknowledgement that that IRS has received the return. If the IRS rejects the return, the receipt notice will explain why so the return can be quickly corrected and resubmitted.
Faster Refunds; Greater Payment Options
An e-filed tax return means a fast refund. Taxpayers who combine e-file and direct deposit usually get their refunds much more quickly than those who file on paper.
An e-filed tax return means more payment options. Taxpayers can file early and set an automatic payment withdrawal date for any date on or before the April due date. Some taxpayers may like to pay by paper check. And, they still can by mailing a check with a voucher. Taxpayers can even pay by credit card.
E-filing is Easy, Readily Available
Using e-file is easy. You can e-file through your tax preparer, through commercial tax preparation software or through Free File, where the free use of brand-name tax software is offered for most filers and free filing is possible for all filers. Access Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile.
The number of people preparing their own tax returns on their personal computers is growing tremendously. Software – such as that offered through Free File – guides people through a step-by-step question-and-answer process.
So whether you do it yourself or have it done, choose e-filing to make tax time simpler and easier.
