File Your Taxes Electronically to Save Time and Worry
In 1913, the American public got its first look at Form 1040, the basic form we all use to file our individual federal income taxes. Over the years since then, the form hasn’t changed as much as you might think. One thing that has changed is how we file it. Back in the day you would go down to the local post office to get the appropriate forms before spending a happy evening with a calculator, a pen and a good supply of scratch paper.
As you might expect everything is done electronically these days. The IRS strongly prefers it and many states require it. In fact, the post office no longer keeps paper 1040 booklets.
Electronically filing your returns has many advantages. Not only do you save on postage, but you don’t have to worry about the return being lost in the mail. As well as being convenient, electronically returns are faster and more accurate. They’re also processed first. Every year the IRS handles millions of returns. Electronic returns are completed first since most of them are reviewed by computer. Paper returns? Well, they go right to the bottom of the stack, meaning your refund could be delayed for months.
In short, electronic returns are faster, more accurate and more importantly: filing electronically means you get your refund back faster. Sure, some traditions are worth keeping, but it’s time to leave pen and paper filing in the 20th century.