E-file is a system for submitting tax documents to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service through the internet or direct connection, usually without the need to submit any paper documents. Tax preparation software with e-filing capabilities includes stand-alone programs or websites. Also, tax professionals use tax preparation software from major software vendors for commercial use.
Of the 139.3 million U.S. returns filed in 2007, 79.98 million (or about 57.4 percent) were filed electronically. In 2010, a total of 129.3 million U.S. returns were filed, and 93.4 million were filed electronically. Thus, the percentage of returns filed electronically increased to 72.3 percent of total returns.
Taxpayers can e-file for free using the IRS Free File service, either using an authorized IRS e-file provider's tax software, if eligible, or by using online fillable forms.
History
The IRS started electronic filing in 1986 to lower operating costs and paper usage. Since then, additional features have been added. In 1987 Electronic Direct Deposit was added as a form of payment. Milestones have been set and broken throughout the years. In 1990 4.2 million returns were reached and in recent years a record of 1 billion 1040's have been E-filed. E-filing originally used the processing system developed in 1969 by the IRS but, since 2003, the IRS has been developing a new enhanced processing system called CADE.
Types of e-File providers
The IRS accepts electronic submission of a variety of tax forms through their IRS Authorized e-file Providers. The IRS offers e-filing to most forms ranging from 1040's to 2290's to 990's.
Individual returns
Individuals have the option of both free and paid tax software. Recently a feature from the IRS called FreeFile allows users to file their individual tax returns for free. It is also possible to go through an authorized efile company that files Form 1040 with a service charge. FreeFile is free for all, but it's an easy step by step system for those who make less than $60,000 annually and a more task-heavy form of filing for those who make above $60,000. For those who make more than $60,000 a year, the FreeFile is not step-by-step but an actual Form 1040 that can be filled out, box by box, electronically. IRS
Business returns
Businesses and self-employed taxpayers can choose from a variety of commercial e-file services depending on their individual needs. Some of the forms that fall under business returns include Form 2290 (truck tax), Form 1099 (reporting payments to individuals other than employees), etc. IRS has no set pricing for each form, so each filing company sets their own price accordingly. IRS a has list of authorized websites that do e-filing for some forms.
Tax-exempt organization returns
Tax Exempt Organizations may file the annual information return IRS Form 990, Form 990-EZ and Form 990-N with a variety of independent tax software providers. As with the business returns, the IRS does not set prices; each e-filing company sets their own.
Authorized E-filers
IRS e-filer providers must be authorized by the IRS. The IRS provides a list of authorized e-file providers on some forms. The IRS changes the order of the list daily for fairness.
See also
- Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee
- Electronic tax records
- Free File Alliance
- Refund anticipation loan
- Modernized e-File
References
External links
- IRS e-file information
- IRS Authorized Efile
- [1]
Interesting Informations
Looking products related to this topic, find out at Amazon.com
Source of the article : here
EmoticonEmoticon