Ask the IRS experts about e-file!

IRS presents

March 27, 2001

Will you be among the 40 million Americans who will e-file your tax return this year? Join our live chat with the IRS experts, and ask all your questions about this fast, accurate and secure way to file your return--from where you can file, to how soon to expect your refund!

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IRS: Will you be among the 40 million Americans who will e-file your tax return this year? Welcome to our live chat with the IRS experts, and ask all your questions about this fast, accurate and secure way to file your return--from where you can file, to how soon to expect your refund! Welcome to the chat! Our IRS e-file experts today are Julie and Maxanne.

Julie-IRS: Hi, this is Julie and we are here to answer your questions tonight.

Maxanne-IRS: Hi! I'd like to echo that welcome. My name is Maxanne with Electronic Filing.

Curious: What advantages are there for filing electronically versus the old fashioned paper way?

Julie-IRS: There are many advantages for e-filing. The electronic returns are scanned automatically for map errors and to make sure that the information is correct. You will usually receive an acknowledgement that your transmission has been accepted within two days of your transmission. Your refund will be coming in half the time of a paper return or even faster--in approximately ten days with direct deposit. This year we are totally paperless and you will not be required to mail Form 8453 or Form 8453-OL if you filed it from your computer at home. All you would need is a copy of last year's tax return. You will be asked for two pieces of information--your adjusted gross income and total tax. Then you provide a 5-digit number of your choice, and that is your signature. You are not required to mail any documents into the IRS.

Maxanne-IRS: The electronic filing method is more accurate, with less than one percent error rate. It offers the safety and security of direct deposit, so you get your refund in as little as seven days. It offers the convenience of filing your tax return early and delaying payment up until the due date. Lastly, in most states, you can file your federal and state returns at the same time.

Scarey: I am leery of sending any information over the internet. I've never purchased anything online. How can I be sure my tax information is securely sent to you, and received by you? Can you describe the safeguards you have in place?

Julie-IRS: The electronic filing program was established in 1986. We have had over 200 million successfully filed returns. During this time, we have had no unauthorized accesses to the system or security violations. Our number one priority is protecting taxpayer data. Our electronic filing system has a full government security certification meeting all security standards. I cannot go into detail for obvious reasons, to explain what they are.

Gail38: Do you have direct deposit for tax refunds? Conversely, is it possible to have automatic quarterly withdrawals set up electronically for estimated payments?

Julie-IRS: Yes, we do offer the convenience of direct deposit. You are required to provide your routing transit number for your banking institution, the type of account you would like it deposited to--checking or savings--and your account number. As far as the quarterly payments, information from our IRS expert on tax payments will be provided during a live chat on Tuesday, April 10th at 7 PM EST. For additional information on electronic payments, you can check the IRS webpage at www.irs.gov and the April digital dailies featuring electronic payments and extensions.

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