Is It Safe to E-File Your Tax Return?

Electronic filing is an electronic method of submitting your income tax return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the Internet or another type of direct connection.

When you file your taxes by email, you don't have to deal with paper forms, filling in envelopes, or postage to file your return. You electronically transmit your confidential personal financial and tax information directly to the IRS.

You can also electronically transmit your credit card or bank account numbers. The IRS uses your bank account information to transfer a refund directly to your account via direct deposit. Credit card information can be used to remit payment of taxes owed.

Is the electronic file safe when filing income tax returns?

The short answer is yes, electronic filing is very safe for filing tax returns. The chances are extremely slim that your income tax data could be stolen while submitting your electronic files.

Filing by email is safer than sending an income tax return by post because the data on an income tax return filed by email is specially encrypted for added security.

Encryption prevents any access to data as it moves between the tax software and the IRS or state tax agency.

However, you need to be careful, as scammers may try to steal your information through phishing and try to record fraudulent returns. There is also the possibility, albeit remote, of a data breach at a business tax preparer.

Always take precautions when protecting your confidential information. Check your credit reports for unusual activity and freeze your credit if necessary.

Tax software and tax preparers

If you still have questions about filing your tax return electronically, visit the website of the tax software you want to use and read its privacy policy. Search the support pages to find details on the technology the company uses for electronic archiving.

The tax software website must ensure that it uses the most secure technology available, usually a form of encryption. If you are considering filing a state tax return electronically, make sure the information in the tax software includes the same security for state tax agencies.

The most popular tax software applications are encrypted and transmit your data securely. If you decide to hire someone to prepare and file your taxes, make sure that person has the necessary authorization from the IRS to transmit the information.

Independent tax services must recertify and pass the tests each year. The IRS maintains a list of IRS-authorized electronic file providers. You can search this list by zip code and state.

You should also understand that individual tax preparers may charge an additional filing fee if you have multiple forms or attachments.

Various benefits of electronic filing

E-Archiving is more than just a way to embrace technology and save a few sheets of paper or a few pennies on shipping. In addition to providing a secure transfer of your data to the IRS and your state tax authority, it offers you several other benefits.

Simple and accurate calculations

When you submit your electronic file, you enter your tax information into online software that does the math for you. It also guides you through the process of completing your return directly, and you can save your work to complete later if necessary.

Many tax software packages also ask a series of questions designed to guide you through possible tax deductions and credits.

These interviews are helpful in making sure you get the best possible return or, if necessary, reduce the amount of taxes owed.

Work on your schedule

Returns sent by email can be made at any time of the day or night. If you couldn't pay your taxes until the last minute, you can do it late at night or late at night.

You can also ask your tax preparer to e-file your tax return to send you your tax return information once the work is completed.

Get a faster refund

You will often receive your refund sooner than if you had used the regular mail. To speed up your return, you can choose to send your funds.

Use the IRS website for free

In most cases, you can file your federal return at no cost using the free IRS file on the IRS.gov website. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $ 72,000, you can use the software to file your taxes for free. If your AGI is greater than this, you can use Forms to fill out.

Various payment options

If you owe money on your taxes, you can send an email anytime until the filing deadline (which is usually April 15) and set up an automatic payment plan with the IRS for little or no cost.

Don't get lost in the mail

Your tax return can get lost in the mail, but an emailed tax return doesn't have this problem. File electronically and you'll receive quick confirmation that your income tax return has been correctly filed, as well as confirmation that the IRS has accepted it.

Know when your refund will be deposited

Tax software generally tells you when your refund is being processed and when to file it.

No numerical errors

Prepare your tax return on paper and you could make a mistake in calculations or transferring numbers to your tax forms.

The income tax software is required to provide the electronic filing option, and the software will do all the tax calculations, even verify the numbers before submitting the return and ensure accuracy.

 

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Is It Safe to E-File Your Tax Return

Source: eHow

 

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