Tax can be a complicated matter. Perhaps that's why many people feel stressful when it's time to file for tax returns. For example, different types of wages or earnings require different forms. When filing for tax returns, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that you got all the forms that you need.
Traditionally, e-filing is a tedious process. You wait for the forms to arrive in your mailbox, and if you didn't receive them, you may have to request for a set of tax forms. Although mail is a rather reliable service these days, mistakes still happen. Once in a blue moon, a letter goes missing or misplaced. And you are left wondering why the tax forms have not arrived.
Then when you get your hands on the tax forms, you keep delaying filling them up because it's such a chore! There may be several forms that you need to fill up, and the forms certainly look discouraging. Lots of policies, terms and conditions that you must read and be familiar with. Most people hate the task of filling in the forms, so they put it off until the very last minute.
When the deadline draws near, everyone starts to panic. That's because there may be certain penalties imposed if the tax is not filed by the deadline. In addition, many people are not well prepared with the necessary financial numbers to complete a set of tax returns in one sitting. If you have several businesses or multiple streams of income, you may be going through this at this moment.
To avoid such last minute filing, which increases the chance of mistakes, always plan ahead. Keep your financial records well organized, and start to close your accounts as soon as the year ends. Don't wait for pressure to build up. Work on it actively.
A good way to reduce the pressure is to go digital - e-File your income tax online this year. In brief, here is how e-filing works. You start by creating a new account with your SSN. Choose a user name and password that you are familiar with so that you don't forget them. Once your account has been created, you can immediately go through the interview process and starting filling in the numbers.
You should do this as early as possible because you can break the e-filing process into different stages. When you start, you may not know exactly the numbers that you need. That's okay. Just go through the interview process. If you find that there is any missing numbers, you can always save the submission details, and continue at a later date.
That way, you don't have to wait till the last minute to file for your taxes. If your e-file has been accepted by IRS, you may even receive your refunds via direct deposits in as little as 7 to 10 days!
Over the last few years, there have been several incentives, or even requirements, provided by the IRS and state governments to encourage tax filers to file their returns electronically. Statistics show the percentage of e-filers is on the rise. With tax return deadlines right around the corner, we want to share our thoughts on the questions we receive most often from clients about e-filing.
Top 5 questions I am asked about e-Filing:
#5 Do I have to e-file?
No. The IRS does not currently require any tax return to be e-filed, however several states have implemented this requirement. In the past, the state has sent a "reminder" notice that future returns should be e-filed, but have warned that paper returns filed in the future will either be rejected or subject to a penalty. This most likely means that e-filing state income tax returns in these states will be mandatory, and we can anticipate that other states will add similar requirements.
#4 Do I have to provide my bank account information?
No. The only time your bank account information needs to be provided is if you would like your refund directly deposited into your bank account, or if you would like your payment directly drafted from your bank account. If you are hesitant to provide your bank account information to government agencies, you can receive your refund by check or if you owe, you can make your payment by mailing in a check.
#3 How long does it take to e-file?
Usually a return is accepted by the IRS or state within a few business days of the return being submitted. The acceptance provides confirmation that the return has been timely filed.
#2 If I owe with my return, is the payment due when my return is e-filed?
E-filing the return before the due date does not accelerate the due date of taxes. Payments can still be remitted separately any time before the due date of the return, even if the e-file is processed earlier.
Consider the following strategy. If you are due a refund on your state return, but owe on your federal return, then e-file both returns early. You could receive your state refund in time to use it towards your federal payment due. The same holds true if you are due a refund on your federal return and owe on your state return.
#1 Why should I e-file?
Here are a few reasons to e-file:
The risk of a return being lost in the mail or misplaced is minimized. Usually a taxpayer is not notified of a missing return until months or even years later. When a return is e-filed, confirmation of acceptance (receipt) by the IRS or state is provided within a few business days.
Paper filed returns are manually entered into the government's system, meaning that an input error could trigger a tax notice.
Part of the e-filing acceptance process used by the IRS and state governments includes a "pre-check" of certain items. These items must be correct in order for an e-filing to be accepted. This greatly minimizes the chance of receiving a tax notice.
Returns are processed more quickly; if you are due a refund, it will be sent sooner.
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