FAQs About E-filing (electronic filing)
Q. What is an Authorized IRS e-file Provider?
A. An authorized IRS e-file Provider is a tax professional or firm accepted into the IRS electronic filing program. One type of Authorized IRS E-FILE Provider is an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), An ERO is a person or firm that taxpayers
entrust with tax information for the purpose of filing income tax returns electronically to the IRS.
Q. Do I really get my refund faster?
A. With IRS e-file, you get it back in half the time. It’s even faster and safer if you have your refund deposited directly to your bank account. Ask your ERO for the estimated date of deposit.
Q. If I owe, how do I pay my taxes electronically?
A. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal from your checking or savings account at the time your Form 1040 individual tax return is electronically prepared. You can also pay by credit card or use the Electronic Federal tax payment system.
- E-filing a balance due return with an electronic payment is a safe, secure and convenient way to be assured of on-time receipt of both the return and payment.
- This reduces the chance of errors. Electronic payment eliminates the need to mail a paper voucher. You receive an electronic acknowledgement once the return is accepted.
Note: There are no additional transaction charges for electronic funds withdrawals authorized to pay taxes.
Note: Only authorized withdrawals can be made. No other funds can legally be withdrawn.
Q. What if I owe and cannot pay the full balance?
A. If you cannot pay in full by the April deadline, ask your TaxRoute representative to file form 9465, an Installment Agreement Request. If approved by the IRS, this will allow you to make partial payments for the balance due on the return.
Q. What happens if my return is filed electronically, I am receiving a refund, and I owe taxes from previous years?
A. The amount owed on back taxes is automatically deducted from your refund just as if you filed a paper return. If you go to a tax preparer to get a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL), you must tell your tax preparer that you owe back taxes.
Q. If my return is electronic, how do I sign it?
A. The most convenient way for you to sign your electronic return is to use a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Whether you use a Self Select PIN or a Practitioner PIN this allows you to sign your e-file return, and it’s completely paperless
Q. How do I know if the IRS really has my return?
A. The IRS notifies your Authorized IRS e-file Provider within 48 hours of transmission that your return information was received. If the IRS detects any errors, it sends a message back to the authorized IRS E-FILE Provider indicating the error. After the error is corrected, the return can be retransmitted to the IRS.
Q. Can I e-file an extension? How do I do this?
A. For your convenience, you can get an automatic extension of time to file your tax return by filing Form 4868 electronically. You can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal from your checking or savings account. To be considered timely, a payment should be scheduled to be withdrawn on or before April 15th.
Q. Is it possible to split my direct deposit refund into more than one account?
A. Yes. As of 2007 the IRS has made it possible to split your refund and deposit it in up to three designated accounts. Taxpayers can elect to deposit their refund into checking and/or savings accounts.
Q. Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if I use IRS e-file?
A. No. The chance of an audit of an e-file return is no greater than with a paper return.
Q. Can my state tax return be e-filed with my Federal return at the same time?
A. There are 37 States and the District of Columbia participating in the IRS e-file Program. To see if your state participates, please visit www.irs.gov/efile or ask your ERO for additional information.
Q. Can my state return be e-filed without my Federal return?
A. Yes, you can e-file your state return with a “dummy” State Only form 1040 attached. Visit www.irs.gov/efile for the names of the states participating in State Only filing. |
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