e-file your tax return using your PC

IRS presents

April 03, 2001

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Kathleen-IRS: October 15th is the filing deadline for electronic filing.

Lance: What are the advantages to filing this way as opposed to the traditional way of filing taxes?

Kathleen-IRS: You can file from the convenience of your own home. In addition, you have all the benefits of IRS e-file -- a faster and easier way to file than the traditional paper process. IRS e-file is more accurate, with less than a 1% error rate, it offers the safety and security of Direct Deposit so that you can get your refund in as little as 10 days, and it offers the convenience of filing your tax return early and delaying payment up until the due date. In most states, you can also file your federal and state return at the same time.

Cinnabar: I did my taxes on the web for the past three years. This year it didn't ask me to send my W2s to federal. Do I need to send them as I did in the past?

Maxanne-IRS: No. The requirement to attach W-2 Wage and Tax Statements W-2G and Form 1099-R are no longer required as attachments to the Form 8453-OL to the IRS.

Kathleen-IRS: It's important to keep a copy for your records.

Wethervne: Does lobbying by big companies like H&R Block prevent the IRS from offering free PC filing like many states do?

Maxanne-IRS: The IRS cannot compete with private enterprises and does not offer free e-file software or direct filing. A number of companies, tested and approved by the IRS, do offer free use of their software and free filing while others will charge nominal fees. Terms and conditions vary among companies, and you are advised to review the information on each company's website and choose for yourself the product that is right for you. Check out the IRS e-file partners page for free and low-cost filing opportunities. www.irs.gov.

Mouse: Are there any other online tax programs available?

Maxanne-IRS: Currently there are 19 software packages which support e-filing using your personal computer. Check the IRS website, www.irs.gov, under electronic services and e-filing using your personal computer for a listing of software packages which support this method of filing.

Peanut: What kind of software, if any, do I have to download to file electronically?

Maxanne-IRS: Filing your tax return using the IRS e-file is easier and more convenient than ever before. You decide the manner of tax preparation to quickly and conveniently file your e-file return using a personal computer. You can purchase commercially-available software, download software from an internet site and prepare your return offline, or prepare and file your return online.

The Best OS: Is there tax preparation software available for all the major computer platforms? Macs? Unix? Linux?

Maxanne-IRS: Yes there is tax preparation software available for all platforms mentioned. Please check the IRS website www.irs.gov electronic services and filing electronically using your PC for a listing of software packages which support this method of filing.

Clara R: Who can use this program, and what equipment do I need to e-file my return from home?

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