QWIK FILE ELECTRONIC TAX FILING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q: What are the benefits of Electronic Filing?

A:•Refunds are faster than paper filing
    •Accurate returns-computer software checked before the return is sent to the IRS
    •Fewer errors means fewer contacts with the IRS
    •Automatic math calculations
    •Acknowledgment and Proof of IRS receipt
    •Convenient and easily accessible
    •File now, pay by April 15

Q: What does Qwik File charge for this service?

A: Qwik File charges are based on the type of return to filed according to the following schedule:

• 1040EZ $ 15.00
• 1040A   $ 17.50
• 1040      $ 20.00
• State of Michigan $ 5.00
• If the return contains errors that require the submission of a corrected form 8453 and tax return, a $ 7.50 reprocessing fee will be required.

Q: If I file electronically is my return more likely to be audited by the IRS.

A: NO. There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that electronic filing will increase your chances of being audited. The IRS selects returns for audit using their own internal criteria. Based on these criteria all returns have an equal chance for audit. Whether a return has been electronically filed is not a selection factor.

In fact, by filing electronically you dramatically decrease your chances of even receiving an IRS contact concerning your return. Most IRS contacts (that ominous request letter) involve:

• Math Errors
• Unsigned returns
• Missing or incorrect social security numbers
• Missing attachments or forms
• Incorrect tax or credit calculations

With electronic filing all of these problem areas are checked and verified before your return is accepted by the IRS.

Q: Can I file electronically even if I owe income tax?

A: Definitely YES. One of the little understood features of electronic filing is that you can prepare and file your tax return at any time. If you have a balance due you can wait until April 15 before you pay. Payment is accomplished by:

• Submitting your remittance with form 1040V, payment voucher, by April 15. If you have a balance due, you will receive form 1040V with the acknowledgment we send you (see "How do I know my return has been accepted", below) .
• Direct Debit - Payment may be made automatically by direct debit to your checking, share draft or savings account. You also specify the date ( no later than April 15) on which the debit is to be made. You must provide the Routing Transit Number and Account Number to be debited. See the instruction for preparing form 8453 on the Procedures Page for information on how to determint the Routing Transit Number and Account Number.
• Credit Card - You can authorize payment using most major credit cards. There is a convenience fee based on the amount of the payment. If you select this option, e-mail us for further information.

Special Note - IRS procedures state that electronic returns must be filed with the IRS service center for the region in which the  Electronic Return Originator  resides. Qwik File is located in Michigan, therefore returns sent to us by individuals will be filed through the Cincinnati service center.  If you have a balance due your remittance must be sent to Cincinnati. The proper filing address will be noted on the form 1040V that we send you, if you use that option. The IRS now has a system of information sharing among all service centers. A return filed in Cincinnati will automatically update your return filing history in the normal service center you used in the past for filing paper returns.

Q: How do I know that my tax return has been accepted by the IRS?

A: When we receive your return it is recreated in our electronic filing software, checked for accuracy to the return copy, and form 8453, you submitted and transmitted to the IRS the same day. The IRS procedures state that the IRS will acknowledge acceptance or rejection of the return within 48 hours. Our experience has shown that except for rare circumstances most acknowledgments are received with 12-18 hours. If the IRS rejects your return we will automatically contact you by phone if it is an item that we cannot correct ourselves. If there is an error that we can correct we will resubmit the return immediately.

When the IRS acceptance has been received we immediately complete and send to you form 9325. This form contains the IRS identification code for your return as well as the service center used and the date of acceptance. The form also contains information on how to check if you  believe your refund has been delayed.

Q: When should I expect my refund?

A: The IRS processes electronic returns for refund disbursement weekly. The cutoff is Thursday noon for accepted returns.  The following table shows when you should expect your refund.

Please note - and this is important!! The following table is a guideline based on the IRS published processing procedures. While our experience with the IRS meeting these timetables has been very good, neither Qwik File nor the IRS absolutely guarantee the date a refund will be received.
 
 

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