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IRS presents

IRS e-file experts
Filing your return with Authorized IRS e-file Providers

March 29, 2001

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Pat-IRS: If you file electronically, you will get an acknowledgement of the receipt of your return within 48 hours. That option is not available if you file on paper.

Folderol: I always leave filing to the last minute (I know, it's nuts). Will e-file help make my procrastination more efficient? How late can I actually file and still be on time?

Pat-IRS: You can file on April 16th and still be on time. If you file electronically, as long as your return is to your e-file provider by that date, it will be considered timely.

R2D9: If the return is electronic, how do I sign it?

Pat-IRS: There are two options to sign your return. This year we have a new option called a Self-Select PIN. That PIN that you choose becomes your authorized signature so there is no requirement to submit any paper with an electronically filed return. The second option is to prepare a paper form 8453 if you'd rather not choose the Self-Select PIN option.

Vilify: What if I owe money?

Pat-IRS And Jim-IRS: Your tax professional can file your return electronically any time during the filing season; however, sending the payment for a balance due by April 16 is still your responsibility. You may file electronically as soon as you are ready, and you will receive a confirmation from the IRS within 48 hours of receipt of your return. You may pay your balance due to the IRS by direct debit (automatic withdrawal) directly from your bank, by credit card, or by check/money order. To pay by direct debit (automatic withdrawal), include your bank routing information and account number on the Form 1040 when you file electronically. You can designate the exact date (up to and including April 16) that you want the payment to be withdrawn (by the Department of Treasury financial agents) from either your checking or savings account at your bank. Credit card payments are available to all taxpayers regardless of the filing method. Your Authorized IRS e-file Provider can provide additional details on any of these payment methods. To pay by check, make your check payable to the United States Treasury and mail it along with the IRS payment voucher (Form 1040-V) to the address indicated on the voucher.

John Dice: Can I e-file my state return with my Federal return at the same time?

Pat-IRS And Jim-IRS: Yes. Federal/State e-file, a feature of IRS e-file, is offered in all states with an income tax as well as the District of Columbia. However, not all Authorized IRS e-file Providers provide this service. Your Authorized IRS e-file Provider can tell you if they participate in the Federal/State e-file Program.

Vet In NC: What qualifications do these providers have to have? How do you decide who gets authorized by the IRS? How can consumers know they're for real?

Pat-IRS: Providers apply to become authorized with the IRS. We check their compliance history with tax filing and paying. We list them as Authorized IRS e-file Providers on the Digital Daily, the IRS website, and we issue them decals and logos for them to display in their windows if they are practitioners with storefronts.

Y Not: Are there any returns or types or returns that can not be e-filed? Which ones?

Pat-IRS: Most 1040 Series returns are now able to be filed electronically. That would equate to about 96 percent of the individual tax paying population. There are very few that can't be filed electronically. There are some limitations on the numbers of schedules that can be filed with the 1040 Series returns, but virtually all of them are able to be filed electronically.

Delaware Della: I saw the list of providers at your site, and that search thingie to find a provider by zip code is great! If you were picking one from the list, how would you decide which is best?

Pat-IRS: If you are choosing one, the list is structured so you can find one closest to you. I would also recommend that you look at the list of Exemplary EROs that are chosen annually for their outstanding performance. Otherwise, if they are authorized to provide electronic filing, then they are in good standing with the IRS and we wouldn't recommend one above any other.

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