What happens if my return is filed electronically, I am receiving
a refund, and I owe taxes from previous years?
The amount owed on back taxes
is automatically deducted from your refund just as if you filed
a paper return. If you go to a tax preparer in order to get a
Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL), you must tell your tax preparer
that you owe back taxes.
If my return is electronic, how do I sign it?
The most convenient way for you
to sign your electronic return is to use a self-selected Personal
Identification Number (PIN) - and it's completely paperless! If
you do not choose to self-select a PIN, you simply sign a signature
document, Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for
an IRS e-file Return. If you are under the age of 16 and filing
your first tax return or if your return contains a signature form
required to be submitted to IRS, you must use Form 8453.
What is the Self-Select PIN?
The Self-Select PIN feature allows
you to electronically sign a tax return and file a paperless tax
return. The process includes self-selecting a five-digit Personal
Identification Number (PIN) and entering two pieces of information
from your prior year's tax return. The Self-Select PIN actually
takes the place of Form 8453. The five-digit PIN is your official
signature, therefore, you do not have to send in Form 8453.
How do I know that the IRS really has my return?
The IRS notifies your Authorized
IRS e-file Provider that your return information was received
within 48 hours of transmission. If the IRS detects any errors,
it sends a message back to the Authorized IRS e-file Provider
indicating the error. The error is corrected and the return is
retransmitted to the IRS.
Do I have a greater chance of getting audited by the IRS if
I use IRS e-file?
No. The chance of an audit of
an e-filed return is no greater than with a paper return.
Can my state tax return be e-filed with my Federal return at
the same time?
Yes. All states income taxes
and the District of Columbia have e-file programs. For additional
information ask your Authorized IRS e-file Provider or go to the
IRS web site, www.irs.gov/prod/elec_svs/fed_state2.html.
Where can I get additional
information about IRS-e-file?
Visit the IRS web site at www.irs.gov,
click on "Electronic Services".
