The IRS wants to remind those paying American expatriate taxes of the option to e-file. E-filing has become the most popular way to file taxes, both at home and abroad, with nearly 80% of taxpayers choosing to file electronically. With more than one billion individual tax returns safely and securely filed online, the IRS is reminding taxpayers why it has become the most popular option for filing.
Why E-File an American Expatriate Tax Return?
If you were not sure of the benefits of filing your American expatriate tax return online, the IRS is more than happy to remind you by going over the highlights of e-filing.
1. Safety and security. E-file providers must meet strict guidelines and provide the best in encryption technology. You receive an acknowledgement within 48 hours that the IRS received your return. If the IRS rejects the return, the receipt will explain why so you can quickly correct and resubmit.
2. Faster refunds. An e-filed tax return normally means a fast refund. If you combine e-file and direct deposit the IRS can typically issue your refund in as few as 10 days. About three of four taxpayers receive a refund and last year the average refund was approximately $2,900.
3. More payment options. If you e-file you can file early and set an automatic payment withdrawal date for any date on or before the April due date. You may also pay by paper check or even by credit card.
4. It’s easy. You can e-file through your tax preparer, use commercial tax preparation software or through Free File, the free tax preparation and e-filing service available exclusively at www.irs.gov.
American Expatriate Tax Preparation Must Also E-File
The IRS also announced that any tax return preparer, both at home or abroad, must now e-file their clients’ returns if the preparer or firm anticipates 11 or more Form 1040′s or Form 1041′s. So, if you have not e-filed in the past, you should maybe get used to filing online or expect that your tax preparer will do it for you!
More Information About IRS E-Filing
- Read more from the IRS about e-filing.
- Get information about American expatriate tax returns.
- Seek help preparing and e-filing an American expatriate tax return.
