The fact that now you can file your taxes through the Internet is quite amazing and there are many benefits to it. I work in an accounting office and about 95% of the returns that we prepare are "e-filed". The process is quite simple, the accountants prepare the returns, the clients review the returns, and when we have the authorization from them we push a button and their returns are transmitted directly to the IRS. Most tax returns are accepted within a day and people get their refunds a lot faster than if they were to file their returns by paper. Not only is it faster and more efficient, but it is also helpful to the environment. Some of the more complex tax returns are HUGE and before e-filing became so popular they used to print out the client's return to mail to the government, and then a copy for the tax payer. Now we only have to make one copy and in some cases, the returns are just sent via email to the client so that they have the option of just saving their return onto the computer, so the fact that you are saving paper is definitely a plus. I think that eventually, the IRS is going to make it so that ALL returns are be required to file electronically. I don't know how well this would work since there are many people, mainly elderly people, that do not like their returns being e-filed. I think that people should still have the option of how they want to file their returns, but it looks like that is where everything is heading.
good example of the fileing tax return's online and the many benefits that can be associated with it. many processes can now be streamlined, made to be faster and more efficient and definitely save some forests.
ReplyDeleteYea, the whole filing tax returns online is amazing.. almost revolutionary. Being able to file all this information through the internet is so easy for us, but you kind of have to wonder... are they really doing an efficient job of keeping all these massive amounts of information that is being electronically sent to them?
ReplyDeleteThat is my concern too, who is reviewing this info to make sure that in fact it is accurate? Who has access to it and are they being properly monitored? I also use e-filing and up to this date I have never had a problem. I also feel more secure that it is going straight to the Government and not through the regular mail system but the question here is if those working in the government are taking all the precautions to properly secure these massive amounts of information.
ReplyDeletespeed and the positive impact to the environment are great, I personally am all for more pandas in the wild. My only concern with all this Efiling, esaving, and elosing situation is that, like the Pay-for-parking in just about every city, if the government cannot handle the volume that process becomes sold to the lowest bidder of any companies willing to take on the task. what task do i speak of? A task like "eFiling" your tax returns. Why is this a problem? Because now your precious information can be sold for more profits.
ReplyDeleteI fear that someday a hacker will get in and make a mess out of peoples e-files.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that it is convenient and easy to file your taxes online; however, sometimes I wonder how safe is this online data bank were they store all of our personal information.
Not only is e-filing an appeal for the sake of convenience, but also allows you to get your return (if you're entitled to one) much quicker. 95% are e-filed in your office? That's a lot! Thanks for sharing that with us. As for the IRS requiring all returns to be file electronically, at this rate, who knows? But as you mentioned, some people will always prefer the traditional way.
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