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5 Benefits of Online Income Tax Preparation



Online income tax preparation provides a safe, easy way to file your taxes. According to the IRS.gov official website, electronic filing (e-file) has been an accepted way to file by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since 1986. Some accountants have been using this method to file for their clients for more than two decades. Between the IRS and many innovative tax services, online tax filing has now been streamlined to accommodate the needs of individuals and businesses. Let’s take a look at five major benefits of filing your taxes online.

1. Saves Time and Money for Everyone Involved

Online income tax preparation saves time and money for you, the online tax service, and the federal and state government. You’ll save time because you can fill in your information using an online form or through e-file software without hand writing all your information. Even if you opt for paid assistance with your online tax filing, you won’t have to visit a physical accounting office to achieve this task. You can save money by paying less for online services, or you might be able to take advantage of free e-file services available through the IRS via many online tax services. You can also receive your refund much faster by filing electronically….usually within a couple of weeks if there are no complications. You can opt for direct deposit of your tax refund into your bank account for faster payment.

Filing electronically saves time and money for the IRS because there’s less paperwork when taxpayers use this method. Tax preparers also save by providing online services. They can work primarily through e-mail, thus, reducing in-office appointments. Some accountants only offer services through the Web, so they don’t have the typical overhead expenses of operating a physical office.

2. File Your Income Taxes from the Comfort of Your Own Home

Another benefit of online tax filing is you can file your returns directly from your home computer. This provides a great convenience if you have a busy schedule or usually work long hours. You can fill in your tax information through e-file forms any time, day or night, without missing a day of work or wasting a Saturday just to prepare your tax returns. Whether you use e-file software, an online free e-file service or opt for other paid tax services, you’ll be able to take care of all your filing needs from home or the office.

3. Reduce Errors when Filing Your Own Taxes

We can all make mistakes – even on important tax forms! Online income tax preparation can reduce errors because paid or free e-file forms will calculate your mathematical totals for you. Online e-file forms will catch other errors as well and prompt you to correct them before moving forward with the form submission. This also reduces errors on the IRS side, which can easily occur as the taxpayer information is keyed into computer systems from handwritten forms. After all, the person keying in the information is human, and not everyone has very neat handwriting! Less errors means less of a chance for an audit and quicker processing of your tax return.

4. Get Help for Complicated Tax Needs

Online income tax prep is not only for simple filing, but can also be helpful for complicated tax needs. If you own a business and need paid tax services, many online tax companies provide an array of services to cater to your needs. Get help with business expenses and mileage deductions, corporate tax needs, home or business tax credits, and more. If you usually work as an independent contractor, an online tax service can help you maximize your tax benefits. You’ll find that many paid services online are less expensive than local tax offices while providing the same caliber of service. Some offer year round business accounting services…not only during the tax season.

5. Easy Filing for Federal and State Income Taxes

When filing your federal income taxes, some e-file services provide a quick way to transfer your personal data to a form for state filing. You may have to pay a small fee to do this, but it can be well worth it if you wish to avoid filling out other tax documents. Keep in mind that state filing is always separate from federal income tax, and the duration and amount of your refund for state taxes will differ from federal taxes.

With online income tax preparation, you’ll no longer have to dread filing taxes each year. Enjoy this quick, simple method of tax preparation now and for all future filing needs!

Posted on: September 9th, 2010 Author: admin No Comments »
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Between January 1st and April 15th, everyone adult living in the United States is required to file their taxes, both federal and state. Generally, when the ads start airing at the beginning of the year, people don’t really act on it. The stretch run begins around mid-March, when it finally dawns on people that the deadline is fast approaching.

In that period of time, all the advantages of e-filing really show. Everyone knows that thanks to the advances in software, when filing your taxes electronically you’re pretty much being guided from start to finish, are alerted to possible mistakes in your return, and receive your tax return faster. There is this huge benefit to e-filing that makes it almost priceless: the ability to file from home or from the office.

This is extremely helpful when the deadline is approaching. Instead of worrying where you’re going to find a tax preparer, you can sit home or at your office and get your return ready in a couple hours. In the past, with the deadline looming, a lot of preparers used to prey on people’s desperation to charge exorbitant fees to file their returns, and scammers offered bogus services to make some quick money. There’s no need to risk that with online filing.

The Free File Alliance allows eligible tax payers to file state and federal taxes for free through software companies who have partnered with the IRS. This free option makes a snap of preparing returns and receiving your refund in as little as ten days if you opt to receive your refund via direct deposit to a savings or checking account.

The programs guide you through the entire process, asking you questions so that your information gets entered in the right place on the correct forms. Instead of you having to figure out what formulas apply to what situation, the software just calculates it for you and matches everything. Plus when you’re done, you also receive a notification that the IRS has indeed received your return.

This initiative (the Free File Alliance) is designed specifically for people in the lower tax brackets, but everyone can check to see whether or not they’re available for it. There’s a schedule to apply and find out.

This tax season, avoid the stress of filing late, or having someone overcharge you for something you can probably get done for free. Take advantage of free e-filing and be on the safe side, knowing that you can file your taxes anytime, anywhere, and have the complete assurance that it’s been filed accurately and delivered to the IRS.

Posted on: August 28th, 2010 Author: admin No Comments »
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One of the most valuable personal money management tips I can offer is to use a budget planner. Having a visual idea of your finances makes the process of keeping track not only easier but more accurate and of course also provides you with that important feeling of control. Opening an online savings account offers you a much higher interest rate than a branch account. Having no branch or ATM access also means you are more likely to keep your savings than dip into them on impulse as withdrawing from this type of account requires transferring the funds into your normal bank account and usually takes at least 24 hours. Don’t save at the expense of your social life, but don’t let your social life stop you from saving. Studies show that people who include an allowance in their budget for enjoyable activities are more likely to stick to their budget and therefore save more in the long term. When you resent your budget and feel restricted by it you will be more inclined to break it and ultimately loose track of the entire thing. Remember, life is all about balance. Review your budget on a regular basis. By establishing the habit of sitting in front of your budget planner and bills one night a week you will be developing a habit that ensures you are always on top of things. In time you will begin to notice ways in which you can improve your budget while freeing up more cash, or perhaps notice a few leaks that need to be plugged before they get out of control. When it comes to regular savings, change your mindset. To illustrate; when you receive a bill in the mail you know you can’t avoid paying it, there is no way around this, it is a social norm. Start thinking of your savings account as a bill that must be paid and even if that bill is only $5 a week; pay it before you do anything else. These days most people (in the first world at least) receive their pay cheque as a direct deposit into their bank account. Decide on an amount of money you can reasonably save out of each pay and ask your boss or payroll department to split your pay cheque with a set amount going straight to your savings and the rest going to your normal account. With that small amount out of sight it is also out of mind and you won’t miss it. Did you know that by shopping at convenience stores like the gas station and mini mart you could be paying between 25 – 40% more than you would at the grocery store? So, shop at the grocery store. Pay loans more frequently; by paying down debt on a weekly or fortnightly basis rather than monthly you will seriously reduce the interest on the loan in the long term. Get to know yourself and acknowledge your weaknesses, we all have them, for some it’s chocolate, for many it’s shoes, but whatever your weakness is, don’t put yourself in front of temptation. If you know you can’t walk past your favourite shoe shop without hearing angels sing at the site of a gorgeous pair in the window; then take a different route. Finally the last of my personal money management tips is this: learn to save money, emphasis here on the word ‘learn’. For most of us a savings habit does not come naturally. Studies show that in order for an action to become a habit it must be done over and over again, I think the standard here is 21 days. But we all know that good habits can be much harder to imprint on our brains than bad ones, so start off small. A great way to learn to save is to choose something you want that is small, say a digital camera for $300. Be specific about your goal by choosing the actual camera model you want then get a catalogue picture of it and stick to the fridge. Now we all know these days purchasing items on store finance is sadly more the norm than actually paying for it with cash, but don’t do it. Decide to prove to yourself that you can buy this item by saving your own money and remind yourself that you will be saving on finance fee’s as well as hefty interest. You know you need to save $50 a week for the next 6 weeks to get that thing which you desire, so whilst keeping your visual goal in mind set about saving that $50 and then reward yourself by paying cash for that camera in 6 weeks time. As you get into the habit of saving, believe me you will actually begin to enjoy the process of setting goals, visualising them, working towards them and then rewarding yourself at the end.
Posted on: August 24th, 2009 Author: admin No Comments »
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Budgeting Money 101 – Getting Started With a Personal Budget



Does cash just seem to slip through your fingers? Tired of eating nothing but noodles for three days before that next paycheck? For some, budgeting money seems natural. For most of us, it is about as much fun as a paper cut. While it may not be enjoyable, budgeting money is one of life’s skills that once mastered, will reap rewards.

Income versus Expenses

When the subject of income comes up, most people know down to the penny how much they make in an hour, a month, or a year. Even those who work on tips will tell you within a few dollars, what an average night brings in. But somehow, when it comes to where that money goes, things get fuzzy. Expenses are slippery. The only way to get a grip on budgeting money is to record and examine expenses. Dull? Yes. Do it anyway. Analyze three months of expenses minimum. One year is better.

Predictable Patterns

People are creatures of habit. That might mean a weekly movie, football night at the sports bar or a haircut every other Wednesday. Learn where your patterns fall. Add up what they cost. Budgeting money starts to boil down to comparing income against needs and making conscious decisions. Once you begin to understand your personal patterns, changes can be made.

Making Mistakes

It’s inevitable. If you are human, at some point a financial error will be made. Part of budgeting money is recognizing that soon or later, you will goof up. It can happen on either the income side of the equation or on the expenses side. It matters not. What does matter is whether you prepare for a slipup by having a small amount of cash set aside. Raid this fund for a midnight pizza run or that really cool new game and it won’t work. Budgeting money also means choosing to behave responsibly.

Tips and Tricks

Just like taxes that come out of a paycheck, money that you don’t see can’t be spent. Use direct deposit to make contributions to savings or retirement funds. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. It’s more difficult to accurately track expenses and spending patterns unless there’s a paper trail. Set aside time once a week to review whether you’re on track to pay every bill on time for the month. If not, make adjustments. Budgeting money is about not getting painted into a corner.

Payoffs

Ever wonder who qualifies for the best loan rates on things like cars, homes and credit cards? It’s the people with good credit. Those who have mastered the art of budgeting money are never late paying bills, live within their means, and prove they can be trusted to use credit wisely. Being wealthy is not required. Being smart with budgeting money is.

It’s never too late to become an expert at budgeting money. All it takes is the discipline to carefully monitor expenses compared to income, make informed choices and have a little savings for the normal mistakes we all make. With practice, budgeting money is like brushing your teeth. Just a good habit.
Posted on: July 7th, 2009 Author: admin No Comments »
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Don’t File Taxes Online Unless You Want an Easier Process and a Faster Refund!



The internet has revolutionized so many aspects of our life. We shop, date, look for places to live, sell our stuff, take classes and even buy our prescription drugs online. We do this because it is faster, easier and more convenient for us.

The internet has also made filing our taxes easier and the process much less painful. People have been electronic filing, or e-filing for years and the IRS notes that over 700 million successful tax filings have already occurred. The technology is time tested, the security levels have been proven (no security breaches noted to date) and the rewards for those who e-file are well documented.

I am sure there are still some of you out there that, for one reason or another, still have not decided to e-file. Well, let me assure you, it’s time for you to put down that pencil and calculator and realize what millions of satisfied Americans already know; e-filing is the way to go. In fact, a nationwide survey found that 88% of all people who have filed taxes online were happy that they e-filed.

Here are the primary reasons to e-file:

-Faster Tax Refunds – On average if you e-file, you will receive your refund in half the time compared to filing through the mail. In addition, if you opt in for direct deposit into your bank account, you will get it even faster. With e-filing you get your refund usually in 1-2 weeks. When you file via the post office you can get your refund usually in 3 to 6 weeks. Improved Accuracy – The IRS notes a 20% error rate in paper filed returns. E-filing software greatly reduces your chances for errors. Most e-filing software automatically checks for accuracy. As you are filling out the forms, your math is constantly checked and if you forget to fill out a specific section, the software will not allow you to continue until all information is inputted correctly. Tax Submittal is Verified – E-filing is free and when it is completed, you are given an electronic receipt code that verifies your submission. As we all know, filing via the post office requires you send certified mail (if you are smart) and you must endure the inconvenience of traveling to the post office, standing in line and dealing with the USPS staff. Feedback – Within 48 hours you will get an electronic message if your return is acceptable or there are errors that need to be addressed. If there are errors you are allowed to fix them and re-submit without penalty. This option can take weeks if you file offline. Less hassle – You can prepare and submit your taxes from your home. You do not need to leave your house to go to your tax preparer or go to the post office to stand in line. Less Costly – The cost of e-filing yourself is substantially less than paying a tax preparation company. Online you pay anywhere from $9.95 to around $100 for more complicated filings. If you use a tax preparation company like H&R Block or a private accountant, it usually runs in the hundreds of dollars.

Please note, filing online still requires you to organize all your documents and paperwork. You will still, you need to have all your pertinent documents on hand so that you are able to answer all of the filing questions. But don’t worry, most of the online tax preparation sites allow you to work on your tax filing for as long as you need. You are able to save changes as you go. Then, when you are ready to continue, you can go back to the site, log on using the user name and password you have chosen, finish your paperwork and e-file.

One of the more popular online tax filing websites out there is TaxBrain.com. Similar to their major competitors Turbotax and H&R Block, TaxBrain.com has a filing process that is user-friendly, accuracy is guaranteed, customer service and technical support is free, and they can file both state and federal taxes for you. I had a great experience using TaxBrain.com [http://www.bestonlinetaxprep.info] and highly recommend it.

Happy tax time and may all your filings end in refunds!
Posted on: July 6th, 2009 Author: admin No Comments »
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