How to File Taxes Electronically

More than 30 million federal tax returns will be filed electronically for tax year 1999. Electronic filing speeds up refunds and reduces errors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• IRS Forms
• Calculators
• File Cabinets
• Internet Access
• File Folders
• Computers
• Personal Financial Software
• Tax Preparation Software

1. Prepare your tax return or have a tax professional prepare it for you.
2. Go to an authorized IRS e-file provider. Most tax professionals, particularly the big ones such as H&R Block, are authorized IRS e-file providers. The IRS has a list of providers near you, which you can access on the Internet.
3. Sign Form 8453, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for Electronic Filing. Obtain a copy for your records.
4. Attach copies of your W-2s, 1099s and other necessary statements to the Form 8453. The authorized e-file provider will then send your return electronically.
5. Mail the IRS payment voucher, Form 1040-V, along with your check by April 17, 2000, if you have a balance due. Direct debit or credit card payments are also available for electronic filers.

Tips & Warnings

• If your return is fairly straightforward, many tax professionals charge almost the same price for electronic filing of a return you have completed as for preparing the return for you and then electronically filing it. It is probably better to have the tax professional prepare your return if you want to file electronically.
• Your tax refund generally gets to you in about half the usual time if you file electronically. The IRS estimates that it will take three weeks to get a refund from an electronically filed return.
• If you have your tax refund directly deposited into your bank account, you will get it even more quickly, probably in about two weeks.
• Within two days of electronic filing, the IRS will send to your authorized e-file provider either an acknowledgement that the return is accepted or a rejection. The most common reason for rejection is Social Security number problems, such as the number not matching the name in Social Security records. This can usually be cleared up easily.
• There is no set fee for electronic filing. Some tax preparers offer it free with tax preparation, whereas others charge an additional fee. The only rule is that it cannot be based on income, refund or any other tax return figure. Shop around for the best deal and service.