Why not e file

Mailing Addresses Contact eFile. Sign In Start Now. Why eFile. Refund or Min. Taxes Owed Find out why eFile. Don't Get TurboCharged! CompareIT Just like all apples are not created equally, not all online tax preparation services are created equally either. So many choices, so little time.

Once you have reviewed the comparisons, the choice is easy! Can you claim a Dependent? E-filing has many benefits that have made this system of tax preparation increasingly popular in recent years. The taxpayer can file a tax return from the comfort of home, at any convenient time, once the tax agency begins accepting returns.

Reimbursements for overpayments are received much faster than those for paper filings. The IRS offers a choice of software partners for this service, including two Spanish-language programs. A taxpayer has the option of filing the return using any tax preparation software with e-filing properties or hiring the services of tax professionals who use similar software. A benefit of e-filing is that the tax filer receives a confirmation or rejection notice within 48 hours—usually within 24 hours—of transmitting the electronic documents.

The confirmation is proof that the documents have been received and are in the system, while a rejection is a notice to the taxpayer that the return has not been accepted by the IRS. The rejection notice will include information on what needs to be corrected on the return so that it is acceptable. If you e-filed before the tax due date but are rejected after it, then there is a five-day grace period for correcting and resubmitting your return. After that, you must send in a corrected paper return.

In addition to the prompt confirmation notice, as e-filed returns can be processed much faster than paper returns, the taxpayer can generally expect a faster tax refund, if one is due. If you e-file before the tax due date but have your return rejected after it, then you have a five-day grace period in which to correct and resubmit your return.

The IRS recommends that taxpayers e-file their taxes without help from a professional or tax preparation service only if they are comfortable doing their own taxes. There are a number of circumstances that may cause an electronic filing to be rejected. These include a blank box that the taxpayer failed to fill in or an error in the forms that the taxpayer received.

If all else fails and the deadline looms, send in a paper return instead. Important notes about the mandate Tax year can still be electronically filed and falls under the mandate in processing year Clients cannot opt-out of e-file. If you can't electronically file the return because it's not supported by your approved e-file software or it can't be filed on our website, then you aren't required to e-file it. To avoid the first situation, before you file ask your dependent if they have already electronically filed their return.

If they have, you will need to mail your return. If you are filing returns for both you and your child the same rules apply. Only one of the returns can be electronically filed, the other must be mailed.

To avoid an e-file rejection when someone else has claimed the dependent, ask your ex-spouse, other parent or caregiver if they have already filed their return and claimed the dependent. If they have and you were claiming the dependent in error, simply remove the dependent from your return and e-file your return.

If they have and you believe you have the right to claim the dependent instead, file your return by mail. The IRS will later determine who is entitled to claim the dependent deduction. The taxpayer who incorrectly claimed the dependent will be assessed any additional taxes and penalties, and be required to file an amended return. Certain tax return filing statuses require additional information on the return other than just marking the appropriate status box.

If filing as head of household, for example, one of the eligibility requirements is that you claim at least one dependent on your return. Thus, if you forget to list your dependent or report your dependent's name or SSN incorrectly, the e-filing system will catch this error and reject your e-file submission. Again, the only way to avoid this type of rejection is to review your return for accuracy and completeness prior to filing.

Similarly, if you choose to file a joint return but fail to report information for your spouse, an e-file rejection awaits you. If you encounter this type of rejection, the problem can lie in various parts of your return.