Electronic Tax Filing (E-Filing)
The IRS offers electronic filling options for individuals, businesses, and other taxpayer audiences. Innovative Tax Relief is an authorized provider of IRS e-file — an electronic filing program that prepares, transmits, and processes e-filed tax returns.
Many software packages and service providers offer free electronic filing of federal and state tax returns for tax preparation clients. And for an option called Transmit-Only Return, you may electronically file a tax return that you prepared yourself.
Either way, you need to have a valid tax identification number to qualify for an electronic tax filing with the IRS. This means you should have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready.
The IRS typically processes your tax returns within three weeks of receiving your e-file. It could even be faster if you choose to have the refund directly deposited into your checking or savings account.
Filing Tax Returns by Mail
Although the IRS doesn’t mail out tax packages anymore, you can still file paper tax returns by mail. The processing time is longer, though. And there’s a greater chance of error while data entry technicians enter your data into the IRS computer system.
However, if you’re more comfortable with this process than an IRS e-file, remember to check the filing location. IRS filing locations might have changed, so check whether you have the correct address before mailing your return.
The IRS typically processes your case within six to eight weeks upon receiving your tax returns. Staffing issues may extend the process several weeks longer. So while you still can mail paper tax returns, the IRS recommends filing electronically.
