Tax Guide
The IRS strongly encourages e-fling. And, while there is nodoubt that electronic filings are easier on the IRS, they also providea number of benefits to the taxpayers. Among these are:
- Security -- The IRS uses the latest encryption technology to safeguardyour information.
- Faster Refunds -- Get your refund in as few as 10 days with directdeposit.
- Flexible Payments -- You can elect to file early, but delay paymentsuntil April 18.
- Proof of Receipt -- You automatically receive an acknowledgmentthat your return was received by the IRS.
There are multiple options for e-filing your tax returns. If your adjusted gross income was $60,000 or less for 2013, you canuse "Free File" which provides access to free tax software to prepareand e-file your tax return. Free File is a public-private partnership,between the IRS and tax software providers, that makes many popularcommercial software products and e-file available for free. You canget the details at www.irs.gov/freefile.
Regardless of theamount of your income, you can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms.These are electronic versions of IRS paper forms that are availableon the IRS website. The forms can be e-filed for free. However,there are some drawbacks. Free Fileable Forms provide only basicmath calculations and support only federal tax forms. In addition,you can e-file right from your home computer using a wide varietyof commercial tax preparation software packages that can be acquiredreadily at "big box" home goods stores or electronic stores.
Ifyou insist on filing a paper return, you will need to make sure theforms are in the correct order. Each form that you need to attachto your Form 1040 or 1040A has an "attachment sequence number" printedin its upper right-hand corner. When assembling your tax return,place the forms in order of their sequence, with Form 1040 (or 1040A)on top. If you have any supporting statements or schedules, attachthem all at the end, in the same order as the forms or schedules theyrefer to.
Be sure to write your name and Social Security numberon the top of each tax form, just in case they are separated. And,staple a copy of any W-2 Forms you received to the front of the return.The form instructions state where to send your return, depending onwhether a check or money order is enclosed or is not enclosed.
 | Work Smart Whenever you send a tax form or,for that matter, any other correspondence to the IRS, we recommendthat you use certified or registered mail so that you get a returnreceipt. If you ever need proof that you mailed your documents ontime, and that the IRS received them, you'll have it. If you'refiling close to the deadline, you can also use next-day or second-dayservice from Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express,or United Parcel Service. Any of these services can tell you howto get written proof of the mailing date. |
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