e-file for Individuals

IRS presents

April 11, 2001

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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! Gerri and Maxanne are our IRS e-file experts today.

Maxanne: I'd like to welcome you to our chat this evening, and we are here to answer your questions.

Gerri: Hi, my name is Gerri, and I'd be very happy to answer any questions you'd like to pose about IRS e-file.

Deadline Dude Says: What is IRS e-file?

Gerri: IRS e-file is the safest, fastest, most accurate way to file and pay federal income taxes electronically. Upon receipt of the return information, IRS computers quickly and automatically check for errors or missing information. IRS e-file gets you your refund in half the usual time, even faster with direct deposit. If you owe a balance due, you can file and pay with a direct debit from your bank account or you can use your credit card. The chance of an audit with an e-file return is no greater than a paper return. Even a return with a foreign address can be e-filed.

Luddite01 Says: If I file electronically, how will I know that the IRS really has my return?

Gerri: You or your tax professional prepare your tax return. In many cases, the tax professional is also the Electronic Return Originator (ERO), who is authorized to file your return electronically to the IRS. Ask your tax professional to file your return through IRS e-file. You sign your electronic tax return by either using a self-select PIN for e-file for a completely paperless return or by signing Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return, or Form 8453-OL, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Online Return. After you sign the return using a self-select PIN or a Form 8453, the ERO then transmits the form to the IRS or to a third party transmitter who then forwards the entire electronic return to the IRS for processing. Once received at the IRS, the return is automatically checked by computers for errors and missing information. If it cannot be processed, it is sent back to the originating processor (usually the ERO) to clarify any necessary information. After correction, the transmitter retransmits the return to the IRS. Within 48 hours (two workdays) of transmission, the IRS sends an acknowledgement to the transmitter stating that the return is accepted for processing. This is your proof of filing and assurance that the IRS has your return information. The ERO then sends Form 8453 to the IRS. If you prepared your own return and chose not to use the self-select PIN, you must send the form 8453-OL to the IRS Service Center that accepted your electronic return. If due a refund and by choosing direct deposit, you can expect to see your refund in as few as 10 days.

Maggie Says: Can I file corrected returns electronically after I have filed?

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