| Contrary to popular belief, efiling is a simple process. | | | | happen if you choose to efile. If there is some |
| The main reason why most people don't like to efile is | | | | information that you need, and you don't have it with |
| because they are acting out of fear - fear for | | | | you, you can always save your efile as a draft and |
| technology, and fear of the unknown. Most people are | | | | come back to complete the process another time. All |
| accustomed to filing for taxes the traditional way - | | | | you need is your SSN number and your password. |
| using paper forms. | | | | Your password is issued to you when you create an |
| The problem with using forms to file for taxes is that | | | | account with an authorized IRS efile provider. You will |
| there is a lot of room to make mistakes. Most of | | | | be able to see the IRS logo on the authorized website. |
| these mistakes are due to pure negligence, and can be | | | | You only need to create an account if this is the first |
| easily avoided. When someone makes a mistake in | | | | time you are efiling. After that, you can use back the |
| the forms, that individual may be asked to file for tax | | | | same account to efile again and again. To create an |
| returns again to rectify the mistake. By then, the | | | | account, all you need is your SSN number. That will be |
| deadline would have come and gone. If that is the | | | | your user name. You will also be able to select your |
| case, the individual is liable for certain late penalties. | | | | preferred password. Try to choose something that is |
| One way to avoid making mistakes is to efile. eFile | | | | easy for you to remember, but hard for others to |
| helps to reduce mistakes because everything is very | | | | guess. You don't want anyone else to have access to |
| systematic. It's almost like using a wizard on your | | | | highly sensitive information. |
| computer. You are walked through the entire process | | | | Once you have completed all the information, you will |
| in a step by step manner. If there are mandatory fields | | | | be able to submit your tax return directly to IRS using |
| that you need to fill in, you won't be able to complete | | | | a secure connection. IRS will then process your tax |
| the submission, and the software will prompt you to fill | | | | return, and may even approve your tax refunds in as |
| in the necessary information. | | | | soon as 7 days. This is a level of efficiency that no |
| Sometimes, after filling in all the forms, you can check | | | | paper system can duplicate. |
| and recheck for mistakes. But when you want to send | | | | So start efiling from this year onwards. You will find |
| the forms out, you accidentally left one out. Again, that | | | | the process most efficient and convenient. |
| makes an incomplete submission. For sure, this won't | | | | |