TFX Will Always E-File Your Return if Possible
Going to the post office to file your tax return is not necessary, most tax returns are eligible to be electronically filed. TFX practice is to always e-file for our clients whenever possible. If your return is not e-filed, it is because of an IRS or state revenue office limitation (some returns require snail-mail as per IRS procedure). Some of these limitations are being updated as the IRS updates their software (see the update to amended tax returns below).
Here are a few cases that are not eligible for e-file and why:
- IRS Streamlined Procedure — this program is fantastic on many levels. It allows delinquent taxpayers to get caught up on their tax returns penalty-free. However, this program requires taxpayers to snail-mail the package to the IRS.
- Amended tax returns — if you need to correct mistakes from prior returns, TFX can assist. However, these forms also require snail-mail to the IRS. As of 2020, some amended returns are eligible for e-filing.
- State tax returns with non-US addresses — in most cases, expats do not need to file state tax returns, but in some cases they do. And, in some of those cases, it is not possible to e-file a tax return with a foreign address.
Recently, we were told by a prospective client that they were choosing an accountant who could e-file their return. Absent someone just not knowing how to do their job, e-filing is simply the last step of the process. We would advise picking an accountant that delivers on all levels, the ability to e-file should not be a deciding factor because every single accountant (or at least anyone you should consider hiring) will have the same capability to e-file forms.