by NFS | Jan 15, 2010 | Archives
WASHINGTON — IRS e-file, the popular electronic tax return delivery service used by two-thirds of the nation’s taxpayers, opens for business January 15 and marks 20 years of safely and securely transmitting nearly 800 million individual federal tax returns.
The Internal Revenue Service debuted e-file nationally in 1990, delivering 4.2 million tax returns. Last year, IRS e-file delivered 95 million tax returns, 66 percent of all returns filed.
“Electronic filing is more and more popular every year, and most taxpayers now e-file. IRS e-file means faster refunds. It means the option to file now and pay later if you owe additional tax. It means peace of mind knowing the IRS received the return because we send an acknowledgement. Those are the reasons this has been a popular service,” said Doug Shulman, IRS Commissioner. “IRS e-file is safe, it’s easy and everyone should try it.”
Last year, more than 49 million taxpayers missed out on the e-file benefits. The IRS urges taxpayers, especially those people already using tax software, to take the next step and e-file their return or ask their preparer to e-file their return. The IRS urges tax preparers who electronically file some of their clients’ tax returns to consider filing all tax returns through e-file.
The IRS is working on faster acknowledgements of accepted or rejected returns. Last year, taxpayers received an acknowledgement within 48 hours that the IRS had accepted or rejected their return. Paper filers do not receive any acknowledgement. Also, if the IRS rejects an e-filed return, it will provide more specific explanations of the errors that caused the rejection. This will enable taxpayers to make corrections and quickly resubmit their returns.
IRS e-file offers the fastest, safest way for people to receive their tax refunds. By using e-file and direct deposit, taxpayers can get their refunds in as few as 10 days. Taxpayers even can opt to have their refund deposited into two or three financial accounts or purchase a U.S. Savings Bond.
For those who owe additional tax, e-file is still the best option. People can file now and pay later, as long as the payment is received by April 15. Taxpayers can set the date for an automatic withdrawal from their financial accounts or they can pay by credit card. People also can e-file and pay by check by simply attaching the payment to a voucher that is mailed to the IRS.
Other e-file benefits include a reduced error rate (1 percent compared to nearly 20 percent on a paper return), which means a decreased likelihood of hearing from the IRS. Also, federal tax returns are delivered to the IRS through a highly secure, encrypted transmission system. Just like paper returns, e-filed returns remain confidential.
The IRS does not charge for e-file & FREE E-FILE (Federal & State) IS INCLUDED WITH ALL OF THE RETURNS I PREPARE. Book your appointment now and save $30 off your tax prep (Discount Valid for New Clients Only).
by NFS | Jan 14, 2010 | Archives
If you were married or divorced recently, there are a couple of things you’ll want to do to ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration.
Here are five facts from the IRS for recently married or divorced taxpayers. Following these steps will help avoid problems when you file your tax return.
- If you took your spouse’s last name or if both spouses hyphenate their last names, you may run into complications if you don’t notify the SSA. When newlyweds file a tax return using their new last names, IRS computers can’t match the new name with their Social Security Number.
- If you were recently divorced and changed back to your previous last name, you’ll also need to notify the SSA of this name change.
- Informing the SSA of a name change is a snap; you’ll just need to file a Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card at your local SSA office.
- Form SS-5 is available on SSA’s Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 800-772-1213 or at local offices. It usually takes about two weeks to have the change verified.
- If you adopted your spouse’s children after getting married, you’ll want to make sure the children have an SSN. Taxpayers must provide an SSN for each dependent claimed on a tax return. For adopted children without SSNs, the parents can apply for an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number – or ATIN – by filing Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions with the IRS. The ATIN is a temporary number used in place of an SSN on the tax return. The W-7A is available on IRS.gov, or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
If you need assistance with this process, please let me know – I am here to help!
by NFS | Jan 13, 2010 | Archives
NFS January Financial Facts
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by NFS | Jan 13, 2010 | Archives
To file your 2009 individual tax return, you’ll have to decide which form to use…unless you e-file. If you file electronically, the software automatically selects the simplest and best form for you. Whether you use e-file or prepare on paper, using the simplest form will help avoid costly errors or processing delays. And remember, if you file electronically, it speeds up the processing of your tax return and the delivery of your refund.
Here are things to consider when deciding which IRS form to file.
Use the 1040EZ if:
Your taxable income is below $100,000
Your filing status is Single or Married Filing Jointly
You and your spouse – if married — are under age 65 and not blind
You are not claiming any dependents
Your interest income is$1,500 or less
You are not claiming the additional standard deduction for real estate taxes, taxes on the purchase of a new motor vehicle, or disaster losses
Use the 1040A if:
Your taxable income is below $100,000
You have capital gain distributions
You claim certain tax credits
You claim deductions for IRA contributions, student loan interest, educator expenses or higher education tuition and fees
If you cannot use the 1040EZ or the 1040A, you’ll probably need to file using the 1040. You must use the 1040 if:
Your taxable income is $100,000 or more
You claim itemized deductions
You are reporting self-employment income
You are reporting income from sale of property
I am always here to help you with your taxes. If you prefer to do it yourself, visit my website at http://www.nfsnet.com/ and explore the Tap Prep Section where you can prepare your own return online for as low as $14.95!!
by NFS | Jan 12, 2010 | Archives
While the tax filing deadline is more than three months away, it always seems to be here before you know it. Here are 9 tips that will help your tax filing process run smoother than ever this year.
- Start gathering your records. Round up any documents or forms you’ll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support an item of income or a deduction you’re taking on your return.
Be on the lookout W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon from your employer; you’ll need these to file your tax return. - Try e-file When you file electronically, the software will handle the math calculations for you. If you use direct deposit, you will get your refund in about half the time it takes when you file a paper return. E-file is now the way the majority of returns are filed. In fact, last year, 2 out of 3 taxpayers used e-file.
- Check out Free File If your income is $57,000 or less you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing. The IRS partners with 20 tax software companies to create this free service. Free File is for the cost conscious taxpayer who wants reliable question-and-answer software to help them prepare a return. Visit IRS.gov to learn more.
- Consider other filing options There are many different options for filing your tax return. You can prepare it yourself or you can have me prepare it for you. Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find the one that best suits your needs. I can work by appointment, mail, or email and I always have a do it yourself option available on my website.
- Consider Direct Deposit If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
- Visit www.nfsnet.com again and again My website is a great place to find everything you’ll need to file your tax return: forms, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.
- Review! Review! Review! Don’t rush. We all make mistakes when we rush. Mistakes will slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double-check you have included all of your documents. I always have an organize available for you to use.
- Don’t panic! I am here to help. Call 800-5604NFS or drop me an email jeff@nfsnet.com
The Internal Revenue Service debuted e-file nationally in 1990, delivering 4.2 million tax returns. Last year, IRS e-file delivered 95 million tax returns, 66 percent of all returns filed. 
Other e-file benefits include a reduced error rate (1 percent compared to nearly 20 percent on a paper return), which means a decreased likelihood of hearing from the IRS. Also, federal tax returns are delivered to the IRS through a highly secure, encrypted transmission system. Just like paper returns, e-filed returns remain confidential. 
