Is it advisable to efile using the free fillable forms on IRS.gov?

[frannn]

I just finished calculating our taxes on the paper forms, but thinking the refund will be quicker if we submit it electronically. I've never done this before, so I'm concerned I may leave something out. I don't need software because I already completed everything; just want to submit the info. Do the IRS free fillable forms include all the schedules I'll need (A, B, M), and form 8863 for tuition? Do I still have to mail my W-2, or do I just input all that info as well? Is it easy? Should I just mail the paper returns instead?

 

[delmar411]

Just do it electronically. Much better way and less likely to make math errors. Also paper returns are handled by a person where the electronic returns are just processed by the computer. You don't need to mail in the W2s, just fill out the virtual W2.

 

[SFWife]

We always efile. Turbo Tax does some free returns if you qualify, and they're super easy to use for all the extra forms. Processing paper returns can take 3-9 weeks for the IRS to issue your return. Efiling usually takes about 9 days. MUCH better!

 

[lianne_0325]

I go on irs.gov and look over the companies that offer free tax preparation online. I usually end up using HR Block from the list. If you follow the links from IRS.gov, the tax preparation is free.

I would go ahead and select one of those companies and just confirm your handwritten calculations. It should be much faster e-filing.

 

[traces7]

I've used the Free Fillable Forms for the last 2 or 3 years with no problems. I was a little leery at first too. They've always had all the forms I needed on their website and you just type in your W2 info. No need to send anything in to the IRS. It's pretty easy, just double check all your info. to make sure you typed it right. I always print it out and proofread it before I send it electronically. Got the refund in about a week, that was in February though.

 

[Brer Shay]

I've used the Free Fillable Forms for the last 2 or 3 years with no problems. I was a little leery at first too. They've always had all the forms I needed on their website and you just type in your W2 info. No need to send anything in to the IRS. It's pretty easy, just double check all your info. to make sure you typed it right. I always print it out and proofread it before I send it electronically. Got the refund in about a week, that was in February though.

Identical here. Just used it for my third year and couldn't be happier. They have all of the forms that you mentioned, and many more. I keep my username and password from the previous year and I always have to set-up a new account the following year, so the data gets purged at some point.

 

[bettymae1121]

Turbo Tax allows you to e-file Federal for free (regardless of income). I've used it for years with no problems. With TT you do have to pay for state, but I get around that by filing my state return for free on my state's IRS website. When you get towards the end, if you don't want to file your state, there is a box you check (or uncheck, I can't remember) and it will only file your Federal.

 

[disneylove69]

Turbo Tax allows you to e-file Federal for free (regardless of income). I've used it for years with no problems. With TT you do have to pay for state, but I get around that by filing my state return for free on my state's IRS website. When you get towards the end, if you don't want to file your state, there is a box you check (or uncheck, I can't remember) and it will only file your Federal.

Taxact.com is free for Federal with no income requirements and only $14.95 to file for state. Used it the last two years. Had my state in 5 days.

 

[rumrunnergirl]

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[powellrj]

zombie thread!

 

[Lewisc]

Most of the software /services don't charge extra for filing a NY state return electronically. Sometimes you need to start to file before you find out there is no fee to electronically file a NY state personal tax return.

There is no such thing as a state's IRS website. The IRS is the federal agency responsible for federal taxes. Many states tax departments have websites.

 

[tvguy]

Just depends on your individual situation. My CPA doesn't do any electronic filing at all. He has a list of reasons why, but the most basic reason is if your tax return is simple enough to be e-filed, you don't need a CPA to do it. But he points out that about 25% of the corrected tax returns he filed after April 15th last year were returns that were originally efiled and had errors that the tax software didn't catch.

 

[Lewisc]

Just depends on your individual situation. My CPA doesn't do any electronic filing at all. He has a list of reasons why, but the most basic reason is if your tax return is simple enough to be e-filed, you don't need a CPA to do it. But he points out that about 25% of the corrected tax returns he filed after April 15th last year were returns that were originally efiled and had errors that the tax software didn't catch.

YOU NEED A NEW CPA. The info you posted is wrong. Tax practioneris who file more then 11 returns, aggregate for the entire firm, are required to efile. Effective date was 1/1/12. There are some exceptions. States have similar rules

 

[wekhogan]

Just depends on your individual situation. My CPA doesn't do any electronic filing at all. He has a list of reasons why, but the most basic reason is if your tax return is simple enough to be e-filed, you don't need a CPA to do it. But he points out that about 25% of the corrected tax returns he filed after April 15th last year were returns that were originally efiled and had errors that the tax software didn't catch.

Your CPA sounds like my first boss who didn't think computers were going to stick, so we were all stuck doing paper returns until we escaped. While he's probably very competent, he needs to keep up with industry advancements. And you do Not have to have a simple return to efile - mostly everyone can.

 

[Lewisc]

Your CPA sounds like my first boss who didn't think computers were going to stick, so we were all stuck doing paper returns until we escaped. While he's probably very competent, he needs to keep up with industry advancements. And you do Not have to have a simple return to efile - mostly everyone can.

Over 80% of the returns filed for tax year 2012 were filed electronically.
http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professional...Most-Tax-Return-Preparers-Must-Use-IRS-e-file

Professional preparers are required to file electronically. There are virtually no circumstances in which a competent, honest, preparer would be exempt.

The preparer isn't competent

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I just finished calculating our taxes on the paper forms, but thinking the refund will be quicker if we submit it electronically. I've never done this before, so I'm concerned I may leave something out. I don't need software because I already completed everything; just want to submit the info. Do the IRS free fillable forms include all the schedules I'll need (A, B, M), and form 8863 for tuition? Do I still have to mail my W-2, or do I just input all that info as well? Is it easy? Should I just mail the paper returns instead?

I have used freefilefillableforms for the last 3 years. If one is familiar with the paper forms from the IRS, this will be very easy to use. Not only can you easily add schedules, forms, etc. you can pull up instructions for each form too. I filed approx. Feb 10 and got my refund in less than 2 weeks.
Entering the W-2 info is a bit slow compared to the rest but really, it's so much faster than mailing forms. I got an email the next day that it was accepted by IRS.

Be sure to print out everything and save for next year. You'll need to enter your income from a specific line # next year to prove your identity when logging on.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Just depends on your individual situation. My CPA doesn't do any electronic filing at all. He has a list of reasons why, but the most basic reason is if your tax return is simple enough to be e-filed, you don't need a CPA to do it. But he points out that about 25% of the corrected tax returns he filed after April 15th last year were returns that were originally efiled and had errors that the tax software didn't catch.

Freefile... isn't really a tax software. It won't "find" things for you. It's simply a method of filling out the paper forms, with all the "thinking" done yourself, but it's entered electronically instead of by mail. If anyone is accustomed to doing it on paper, freefile will be VERY familiar.

 

[manning]

Turbo Tax allows you to e-file Federal for free (regardless of income). I've used it for years with no problems. With TT you do have to pay for state, but I get around that by filing my state return for free on my state's IRS website. When you get towards the end, if you don't want to file your state, there is a box you check (or uncheck, I can't remember) and it will only file your Federal.

Use turbo tax too. However I file state by snail mail only because I get very small refunds. In that case the cost of a stamp is far cheaper. If it was a big refund and I need the money fast I would consider e-file with the state.

 

[Lewisc]

Use turbo tax too. However I file state by snail mail only because I get very small refunds. In that case the cost of a stamp is far cheaper. If it was a big refund and I need the money fast I would consider e-file with the state.

For the benefit of people reading this thread efile fees aren't charged for NY State returns. Some posters use their software to free efile their federal return. They to go to their state's website, fill out a form and file electronically.

I agree with you, mailing the return is easier and is fast enough.

 

[starry_solo]

I know it's bumping an old thread up, but OMG, I just found out you could e-file for free on my state (CA's) website!

I've been paying $20 to file the state return (CA) through Turbo Tax for 2 years now. Now I see it's free on the State's website...eek!

I will be doing this from now on!

Thanks so much Budget Boards!