E-file simply stands for electronic filing of your income taxes. You will submit your tax return via the Internet rather than mailing the return to the IRS. This speeds up the process and helps to prevent errors. With E-file you can have your refund to you in as little as ten days. E-file is available for all forms, and income levels.
You have several different options available to you when it comes to filing with e-file. You can purchase software and do your taxes by yourself. You can have your tax preparer file electronically for you. You may also qualify for Free-File and then you can complete your taxes online. If you already do most of your banking online, then e-file will be very easy to use. If you are using the computer software, you will need to connect to the Internet at the end of the process.
You may be concerned about the security involved with the e-file process. You are actually safer filing online because you do not have to worry about your tax return being lost or stolen in the mail. Additionally you can receive updated notification that your return was received. E-file will also update you on the status of your return, and when to expect your direct deposit.
There may be fees associated with e-file. The computer software companies usually charge a fee to e-file with them. This fee is in addition to the cost of the software program. However, you can usually find a sale or package that includes one free e-file for both the federal and state taxes. The free e-files may actually be a mail-in-rebate. You need to make sure that you mail in your receipts when you are finished.
