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Is Online Tax Filing For You? Try It Free With No Obligation



Last year, millions of Americans took advantage of online tax filing services. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service offers links to income tax preparation services on their website, and many of these services offer free federal income tax filing for people who meet certain income qualifications.

Most online tax filing sites function similarly. First, you must establish an account by setting up a user name, password, and providing an email address. An email confirmation will be sent automatically, and including a secure link to the site for confirmation of your identity.

Once your identity has been verified, you can begin entering information. These sites are generally divided into several sections. First, basic information such as your name, address, filing status, and name of dependents must be provided. The next section requires entry of information from your W-2s, and then you will be asked questions to determine what, if any, deductions you may have in order to determine your taxable income. Finally, the program calculates the amount of your income tax, and depending on your status, the amount you owe or your refund.

Once all the information has been entered, you can file electronically. Many sites provide free federal tax preparation and filing, but charge for the state tax preparation and filing service. You must pay any fees prior to the actual filing using a either a credit or debit card. You will also be asked how your refund should be processed. Generally, you can choose to have a check sent or for the money to be deposited into your checking or savings account.

If you have not previously filed electronically, you must either sign electronically (you need to have the previous year’s return to do this), or opt to sign a paper form, which will be mailed to you after you have filed.

After you have paid, you will have an opportunity to print out your return for review prior to filing. If everything looks okay, your return can be filed. Click the appropriate button, and then wait for verification that the transaction was processed successfully. You should also receive email confirmation of this transaction.

Anyone who files a 1040EZ or 1040 can file online with most of the sites. If your return is more complex, the selection is more limited, and it may be advisable to use a tax accountant. However, most of these sites can handle 1099s and business deductions.

Some tax software vendors offer free online tax preparation depending on your income level. A list of sites is available on the IRS web site indicating the income level at which they offer the free filing service. Be aware, though, that the free filing only pertains to your federal tax return, not the state.

Once you have used a tax service, your information is stored for the next tax-filing year. Write down your user name and password on the hard copy of your tax form, also noting the site’s address. This will ensure that, next year, you will be able to log in and proceed without having to enter any preliminary information.

Posted on: August 31st, 2010 Author: admin No Comments »
Filed under: Taxes Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Income Tax Preparation

Every person who receives income of one kind or the other has to pay income tax to the government. Tax preparation involves a lot of calculation and prior planning. There are forms to be filled and submitted, and refunds claimed from the IRS (the Internal Revenue Service).

The first step in income tax preparation is to choose the right form. There are several kinds of forms depending on the kind of income. The basic form 1040 (or 1040EZ or 1040A) has to be filled by everyone, apart from any other forms. Form 1040 is meant for all kinds of incomes, if the annual income is more than $50,000. This form is also used for itemizing deductions when not applying the standard deduction. 1040EZ is for single people, or when married and filing jointly. The applicant should not have any dependents, should be less than 65, not blind, and have taxable income (from certain sources) of less than $50,000, with earned interest of less than $400, and no itemized deductions. Form 1040A is for people who have annual income of less than $50,000, but have itemized deductions.

There are certain schedules generally used with 1040: Schedule A (itemize deductions); Schedule B (report taxable interest or dividends in excess of $400); Schedule C or C-EZ (report profit or loss from a business), Schedule D (report capital gains and losses); Schedule E (report supplemental income and losses) and Schedule EIC (claim earned income tax credit).

The forms can be obtained from the public library or IRS. After selecting the right form, prepare the return using W-2s (wage and tax settlements given by the employer), 1099s (dividend and interest forms given by banks, mutual funds and other investments), and other receipts. Attach all the required documents to the form, including the payment voucher form 1040-V (if required). Make sure that you sign the form, and the social security number on the form is correct.

The main information required for income tax preparation is: personal data (social security number, alimony paid and child care provider); employment and income data (W-2 form, unemployment compensation, miscellaneous income, pensions/annuities, jury duty pay, alimonies received, prizes/awards/lotteries/scholarships/fellowships received, state and local income tax refunds); home owner/rental data; financial assets, financial liabilities, expenses and self-employment data (if applicable).

You can take the help of a professional income tax preparer if: the tax preparation is too complex, the IRS questions you about something, or you want to save time and effort. However, check for the preparer’s credentials. Any certified public accountant (CPA), certified financial planner (CFP), or enrolled agent (EA) would be able to help. The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is a good source for finding a good Income Tax Preparer.

Posted on: October 3rd, 2009 Author: admin No Comments »
Filed under: Taxes Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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