46.6 Electronic Filing

Almost 80% of taxpayers e-file their returns to the IRS, either through a tax preparer, from their home computer, or through the IRS’ Free File program. You may be eligible for free tax preparation and electronic filing services from commercial tax software companies that have joined with the IRS to form the Free File Alliance. At the IRS website, www.irs.gov, the free services provided by the companies are described and links are provided to their websites. Each company sets its own eligibility criteria, which generally are based on adjusted gross income, but your age, state residency, or military status may also be factors.

Filing Tip

Free E-Filing

Go to www.irs.gov to find a description of the free tax preparation and electronic filing services offered by companies that have partnered with the IRS and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria.

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Electronic filing offers a faster refund—a direct deposit to your bank account in one to two weeks, or a check mailed within three weeks. You authorize a direct deposit to a financial institution that was designated in the electronic portion of your return. On the electronic portion of the return, you provide the savings or checking account number and the “routing transit number” of your bank.

If you file electronically and owe taxes, you may pay by credit card or by direct debit from your checking or savings account.