In 2021, 90% of people e-filed their tax returns. And it’s no surprise why. Thanks to technology, there’s no reason to prepare your return by hand and mail it in. E-filing is the faster, easier, and more accurate way to do your taxes. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to paper again. Here are five great reasons to make the switch.
Fewer Mistakes
According to the IRS, taxpayers who manually prepare their return are 20 times more likely to make mistakes than e-filers. Errors on your return can slow down your refund or lead to an IRS audit.
Using a tax preparation program like ezTaxReturn can help you get your taxes right the first time. You’ll be guided through each section of your return using a simple question-and-answer format. Based on your responses, the program will help you claim the credits and deductions you rightfully deserve to maximize your refund or pay less in taxes. There’s no need to worry about tracking down the right IRS forms or whether your math is correct because the software does the hard work for you. As long as you provide accurate answers, you’ll get accurate results.
It’s the fastest way to get your tax refund
After giving Uncle Sam an interest-free loan most of the year, you’re probably excited to get your money back. The fastest way to get your refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit. Typically, you’ll receive a notification from the IRS within 24 hours that your return has been accepted and your refund within 21 days. Snail-mailed returns take a lot longer to be processed. You’ll be waiting approximately 4+ weeks, and that’s assuming you prepared a flawless return.
E-filing Is Less Risky Than Filing By Mail
Filing electronically is much safer than filing by paper. When you e-file, your return is securely transmitted from your computer to the IRS without any pit stops. Plus, the IRS has several safeguards in place to ensure your private information remains confidential.
Tax providers must comply with strict security guidelines and use the latest encryption technology to keep your data safe. So far, the IRS has successfully processed over 1.5 billion tax returns.
More Payment Options If You Owe the IRS
Owe the IRS but can’t afford to pay right away? Don’t panic. The IRS has flexible payment options, which allow you to e-file now and pay later. Through your tax preparer, you can request to have the funds deducted on the date of your choosing. Just be sure to get it squared away before April 18th to avoid penalties and interest. Additional payment methods include debit or credit cards, checks, money orders, and monthly installments.
Digital Records of Your Returns
It’s best practice to keep copies of your tax returns for at least three years up to seven years. This is in case you need to reference them in a future audit or for reference when preparing new returns. But keeping physical copies of your tax returns is cumbersome and can take up valuable space. Plus, when it’s time to dispose of them, you have to be careful to do it properly so your information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
When you e-file, you automatically have a digital record of your tax return saved. No more worrying about sorting through piles of papers or storing stacks of returns in your filing cabinet. E-filing your taxes keeps your records safe and secure, ready to reference whenever you need them. This also makes it easy to start your next return the following year, as your info from the previous return is already saved.
You May Qualify for Free Tax Filing
Doing your taxes doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you have a basic tax situation, you can file your federal return for FREE at ezTaxReturn.com.
To qualify for free tax filing, you must meet the following criteria:
- File Single or Married Filing Jointly
- No dependents
- Less than $100,000 in taxable income
- No adjustments to your income
- Don’t claim any tax credit EXCEPT the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
- Less than $1500 in taxable interest
- Your income comes from your salary, wages, tips, and/or unemployment compensation
However, you will have to pay for a state return if you need one.
