Electronic filing (or e-file) is an undeniably great thing. It's faster, cheaper, and less worrisome than filing your Tax Return on paper.
E-filing has a number of benefits you may not have considered. First and foremost, e-file is very accurate. Think about this for a minute. An IRS data entry person does not have to type your tax return into the IRS computers. This means the IRS can process your tax return faster, and you don't have to worry about clerical errors. A second benefit, you receive a confirmation that your e-filed tax return was accepted by the IRS. This confirmation is proof that the IRS received your tax return.
Still, there are situations when you must file a paper return and mail it to the IRS. These situations include:
Filing back taxes from 2004 or earlier.
Tax Filing using amended tax return - Form 1040X.
If you are trying to claim a dependent who has already been claimed by someone else. These returns require special IRS handling.
Bottom line: if you can e-file, you should. If you cannot, mail in a paper return. And if you are mailing your return, I encourage you to send the return using the US Postal Service's Certified Mail with return receipt requested. That way you'll have proof that the IRS received your tax return. Why certified mail? It's the only evidence accepted by the US Tax Court that you mailed your tax return on time.
One advices from my side: Do not mess with Taxes…….You've finally finished your taxes. But before you drop your return in the mailbox or push the computer send button, do a last-minute review to ensure it's really ready to go.
The wrong filing status could cheat you out of tax savings. Missing or incorrect Social Security numbers could invalidate a credit and increase your tax bill.
Did your return pass final inspection? Great! Send it on its way.