Safe and Simple
Apr 04 '00
Many of the software packages have easy to use electronic filing capabilities built right in. The software maker did not put the functionality there for their own benefit, they did so to make life easier on the user and the IRS. Yes, the IRS would prefer you file electronically.
Electronic filing works for all parties involved. It not only allows for faster processing of your tax forms, it decreases the possibility of errors related to bad handwriting, lost or unorganized forms, or even data input error by an IRS form processor. Humans make mistakes. Thus, if you verify everything on your tax form before electronically filing it, you will ensure the correct information passes into the IRS computers.
By filing electronically, you also have the ability to pay via draft from your bank directly to the government or when returns are due, have them deposited into that account. The filing goes fast and you can sit at your computer and play games instead of walking to the mail box. No stamps, or assembly of forms is required. That said, I will add if you have a complicated tax situation, you may have to submit some paperwork. Your forms get cleared quickly through the IRS computers. You will know within a day or two if your filing was accepted, which really is nice to know.
With the above information, you now know why electronic filing is beneficial. I turn my attention to why it is safe to do. I tried for the first time last year and was impressed with the speed and accuracy of the filing. No hitches that were not easily overcome. In fact, I had incorrectly entered a TIN and that created an immediate rejection with an explanation for the rejection. It was easy to correct and re-file. Within two days I had confirmation that the taxes were accepted and my refund would be deposited in our checking account.
Safety of the filing was a concern. I learned that the software package was set up to make a secure transmission to the intermediary who uploaded the data into the IRS computers. This same process will be followed in another week or so. Because the data transmission is in a secure format, there should be little concern about data theft. Besides, it is possible for folks to access certain IRS records through appropriate means. Thus, it is not always a data leak electronically that allows data to be shared outside the IRS.
Certainly, if you are highly concerned about the safety of your data, regardless of the fact the data is encrypted and transmitted in a secure environment, realize that in the mail, there is a greater chance the data would be intercepted and abused. Thus, electronic transmission is probably actually better even than the postal service for getting in that return.
Do not forget that the taxes are due in less than two weeks. If you forget, and you owe, you will be hit up with penalties.
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Member: David
Location: Houston, Texas
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David loves outdoor activities, travel, breeding Registered Texas Longhorns.
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