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Advantages of e-filing

2 min read


2 min read


E-filing has some key benefits over sending your return via the U.S. mail. Recently, during the coronavirus pandemic, some revenue departments have recommended using e-filing as way to avoid delays from paper filing.

Aside from coronavirus concerns, there may be other reasons why you would want to e-file your tax return. We’ve outlined advantages of e-filing your taxes here.

“Should I e-file?”

Determining whether or not you should e-file is a decision you should ultimately make. You have the option of e-filing or filing your taxes via mail to the IRS. Before you choose your method of submitting your federal tax returns, you may want to review the benefits and drawbacks of e-filing.

Benefits of e-filing

Here are the benefits of e-filing your tax return:

filing taxes online
  • The IRS doesn’t have to re-enter your information into its system, decreasing the risk of data-entry errors.
  • You receive an acknowledgment that the IRS received your return. The IRS doesn’t send an acknowledgment when it receives paper returns.
  • You’ll likely receive your refund faster if you e-file your return rather than mailing it, simply because it saves you a trip to the Post Office and the mailing time.

Weighing e-filing advantages with drawbacks

Now that we’ve covered e-filing advantages, we should also look at the drawbacks.

Drawbacks can include:

  • Some individual returns (Form 1040) cannot be e-filed if they have attached forms that are not accepted by e-file or able to be sent with a transmittal document (such as the items on Form 8453). However, if the form, schedule or document can be sent to the IRS separately using Form 8453 as a transmittal document, the rest of the return must be e-filed.
  • Fees may apply.

E-filing and owing the IRS

If you owe the IRS, you can ask the IRS to electronically withdraw the money you owe directly from your bank account. You can decide when the IRS withdraws the money – up to the last minute on the filing deadline, even if you filed your return earlier.

Where to go for help with e-filing

Learn more about online tax filing now.

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