People who want to get their tax refund faster can help speed
things up by using IRS e-file. IRS e-file is the government's name for a number
of ways taxpayers can electronically file and pay their taxes.
IRS e-file users get their refund quicker, often in less than half the
time it takes for paper filers to see their refund. Folks who choose direct
deposit for their refund get it fastest. And IRS e-file is more accurate.
Increased accuracy means e-file users have less chance of getting a letter about
mistakes on their return from the IRS.
For the second year, IRS e-file offers additional benefits to those who
owe money with their return. Taxpayers who owe can pay by credit card, or they
can "file now, pay later." To "file now, pay later," e-file
users provide bank information when they e-file and indicate when they want
their payment made to the U.S. Treasury. Payments can be made anytime after the
tax return is filed until April 17. This feature will let people file early,
have the peace of mind of knowing the IRS has accepted their return, and manage
their finances without waiting until the last minute to file and pay.
People who choose to pay by credit card can use MasterCard, Discover Card
or American Express Card. These filers are charged a convenience fee. IRS isn't
involved with, nor does it receive any, of the fee.
There are several ways to use IRS e-file. People can ask their tax
professional to e-file their returns. They can use their personal computer and
commercial tax preparation software to e-file from home. People with simple tax
returns who receive the TeleFile tax booklet in the mail can use the telephone
to file from home.
Last year nearly 30 million returns were sent to the IRS electronically.
It's the IRS goal to make e-file the preferred way to file. The accuracy, speed
of refunds, and ease of filing are benefits many people have noted in previous
years. And, of course, people can still e-file and send a paper check if they
choose.
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