Phoenix, AZ—Tax seasoncan beoverwhelming for individuals and families with errors causing processing delays leading to frustration. For most taxpayers, following these tips may help make it easier and less stressful.
E-filing versus paper returns
Electronic filing makes it easy for taxpayers to file individual income tax returns with fewer mistakes and quicker processing.
- Free File. Taxpayers may qualify to file for free through the Free File Alliance. About 70 percent of taxpayers are eligible for this service. Coming soon a free Direct File option may also be available to you.
- Easy, step-by-step instructions. E-file software makes it easier for taxpayers to prepare and submit their income tax forms by prompting them with questions.
- Faster refunds. On average, refunds arrive up to seven times sooner than when filing by paper.
- Accurate. Taxpayers can input or upload their figures, and e-file software does the rest, reducing human typing and math errors.
- Automatic. Returns are transferred right into ADOR’s systems. No mail delivery wait time. No paper opening. No sorting. No manual data entry.
- Proof of acceptance. Taxpayers receive an acknowledgment of receipt from both the IRS and ADOR via the software vendor. No need to worry about the delivery of your return.
- Secure. Confidential information is encrypted and securely transmitted to the IRS and ADOR.
- Convenient. The convenience of filing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from home.
Advantages of e-pay rather than paper check
- One-Stop-Shop. In a single step, taxpayers can e-file and e-pay.
- No need for paper checks. File early and schedule an online payment for a few days before the April due date. Filing paper checks last minute assures you will experience delays due to filing volume.
- Peace of mind. Automatic withdrawals from the taxpayer’s account and no need to worry or monitor transaction activity.
- Secure. No payment information is disclosed other than to process the authorized transaction.
- No ADOR service charges for e-check. Although ADOR charges no service fees for e-checks, taxpayers should check with their financial institutions about any fees they may charge.
Using direct deposit
- Fast. Receive the refund in your account within two business days – even faster if e-filed! Paper refunds are mailed within three business days after approval, plus mail delivery time, plus a trip to the bank can equal a week later.
- Extra secure. There is no check to get lost.
- More convenient. No trip to the bank to deposit the check. All you need is your routing and account number.
- Free. No cost for direct deposit.
- Flexible. Available whether the return is filed electronically or by paper.
