The IRS has a website where you can track your refund: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html
And here is a link to a chart which explains when you can expect your refund based on when your return is accepted: IRS Refund Schedule Chart . Also see our IRS Refund and Payment page which includes information on refunds, making tax payments, and details on each state's refund status and payment methods.
What is e-filing?
E-filing (electronic filing) is the process of electronically transmitting your tax return to the IRS, eliminating the need for paper returns. The IRS encourages e-filing your tax return because it is more accurate than mailing a paper return. You will also receive the benefit of a faster refund.
What will I need in to prepare my online return?
You will need to gather all of your income statements, W2 and 1099 forms as well as your deductible statements that may include your mortgage payment summary, expense receipts, charitable giving receipts and any other information typically used in preparing your tax returns.
How do I enter my Tuition and Fees?
In Easy eFile you must check the box indicating you are a Student on the 'Primary' screen if the filer is a student, and the 'Spouse' screen is your spouse is a Student. For Dependents, this information is entered on the Dependent screen when you are entering your dependent name, ssn, etc. The Tuition and Fees amount, which may be reported on Form 1098-T, are entered on an Education screen which will appear later, although you can also enter the amounts for the Dependent on the dependent screen. There are four ways to get credit for your Tuition and Fees: 1) Tuition and Fees Deduction ( this deducts the amount from your income before taxes are calculated, 2) Hope Credit, 3) Lifetime Learning Credit, and 4) the new American Opportunity Credit. The Credits are subtracted from your taxes after taxes are calculated. You can figure the credits, then go back to the Education screen and select a different credit to see which is best. Here are couple of links to more information at the IRS website: education credits , and who is a student
What tax forms do you support and not support?
Here is a link to our support/limitations page…
Which tax form: 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040 should I use?
Here is a list of general capabilities for each federal form:
choose 1040EZ if:-The only Filing Status supported is Single, or Married Filing Jointly
-You (and your spouse, if filing Jointly) are under age 65 and not Blind
-You are Not claiming any dependents
-Your Interest Income is \$1,500 or less
-The only income sources are W2's, unemployment compensation, Alaska Permanent Fund, 1099-INT
-The only Credits are Earned Income Credit, Recovery Rebate Credit
-You taxable income is below \$100,000
-You did Not receive any advance EIC payments
-You do Not owe any AMT tax
-You are Not claiming Student Loan Interest,or Tuition and Fees deduction
-You are Not a debtor of a chapter 11 bankruptcy case file after October 16, 2005
... link to IRS Form 1040EZchoose 1040A if:
-You can claim dependents (also Form 1040)
-You are Not claiming Itemized Deductions
-Supports Income from W2's, Pensions, IRA's, Social Security, Alaska Permanent Fund, 1099-INT, Capital Gain Distribution (not sale of stocks or bonds).
-Credits/Deductions include Educator Expenses, IRA deduction, Student Loan Interest, Tuition and Fees deduction (including Hope, Lifetime Learning Credits), Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Credit for Dependent Care, Credit for Elderly/Disabled, Earned Income Credit, Advance Earned Income Credit, Recovery Rebate Credit.
-You can claim Student Loan Interest deduction (also Form 1040)
-You can claim Tuition and Fees, Education credits (also Form 1040)
-Your taxable income is below \$100,000
... link to IRS Form 1040Achoose 1040 if:
-All filing situations, income sources, and credits mentioned above, plus
you Must use with any of the following:
-You are reporting self-employment income 1099-MISC, or 'Other' income sources
-You have business income as a 'sole proprietor'
-Any size income
-You received Alimony
-You are claiming Moving Expenses
-You are claiming Itemized Deductions (medical, mortgage interest, real-estate taxes, charitable donations, etc.)
-You sold stock with gain or loss
-You wish to claim the First-time Homebuyers Credit
... link to IRS Form 1040
Is my information secure on your site?
Yes. We understand and value how critical your personal information is. All communication with our filing site is encrypted using the latest in security technology form ‘digitcert’, ‘TRUSTe’, and ‘McAfee’. Please review our Privacy Statement in detail….
How do I use your website?
Register as a new user into to our secure server using your social security number and create a unique password. Answer the questions in our simple, easy-to-understand interview. Our system will select the tax forms you need, do all the calculations, check for errors or missing information, and electronically submit your return to the IRS.
What if I forget my login ID and password?
You should keep your login and password confidential. If you forget your password click on “Forgot your password?” and we will email to the email address you provided us upon registering.
Why should I E-file using your tax program?
Our website is extremely easy to use, and accurate. We have tried to make the site user friendly by providing help along the way and by trying to catch errors as you are entering your income and deduction information. We are continually improving our site in order to provide you an efficient and effective method of filing your taxes.
Do I have to finish my return in one session?
No. You can start the online interview process with the information you have. Then return as many times as you wish to incrementally complete your return. When you log back in we automatically continue your interview where you left off in your previous session. You can of course back up in the interview process in order to change or correct previously entered information. All calculations will be done again using your latest entries.
Is there free help available while I'm preparing my return?
Our system has built in help, and you can access our email help desk any time you wish. We will respond within 24 hours
Will I be able to make changes to the information that I have entered?
Yes. You can go backwards and forward through our interview process to re-enter, correct, or insert new information as you need. You can even change forms from 1040A to 1040EZ to 1040, etc. You can modify your itemized deductions and we will tell you whether you should Itemize or use the Standard Deduction.
Why should I E-file using your tax program?
Easy to use. Clean, simple interface. Excellent customer support.
Where can I print our a free 1040 tax form, and other IRS forms ?
The IRS website provides all forms, including form 1040 and the instructions for form 1040, in printable PDF format. You can find and download forms at the IRS website.
What are the minimum income requirements for filing a tax return?
For a Single taxpayer the minimum income for filing a 2009 return is $9350, and for married filing jointly the minimum income requirement is $18,700. For a complete list of filing statuses and income requirements for filing there is a list at the IRS website.
Where can I find more detailed information on income tax filing?
The best source of up to date tax filing information is the IRS Form 1040 Instruction booklet found at the IRS website in PDF format. This document has tax tables, EIC tables, worksheets, tax forms and more.
I live and work abroad (e.g. on military assignment). Can I prepare my return using your website?
No. We do not currently support Military pay.
Can I E-file both my federal tax return and state tax return electronically using your site?
Not at this time . We are continuing to add state processing and will display what states are available when they are ready.
How long will it take to complete my return?
Our customer data shows that the majority of filers complete the process in 30 minutes or less.
I have a bank account. Can I direct deposit my refund into my account?
Yes. At the end of the interview process you can select how you want your refund sent – via mail, or direct deposit into the bank account of your choice.
Where do I mail my tax payment ?
The mailing address depends on the state you live in. There are several IRS processing centers around the country. The following irs service center list will provide the irs mailing address. For State taxes, each state has instructions on where to send payments. We provide this information in your Acceptance email notification which we will send you once your return is accepted..
Can I ‘itemize my deductions’ using your system?
Yes. You can enter all the information requested on a 1040 Schedule A and we will efile your Schedule A form along with your return. We will let you know if you should Itemize or use the Standard Deduction based the data you input. The IRS has guidelines to help you decide whether you should or should not Itemize which we follow in our calculations..
Can I declare my stock and securities transactions?
Yes. Our system will allow you to easily enter stock buy and sell information and we will efile the appropriate 1040 Schedule D form along with your return.
I have a small business, can I use your system file my taxes?
Yes. If your business is a 'sole proprietor' business we can file your taxes. We support a reasonable subset of the 1040 Schedule C so you can enter your income and expenses, including vehicle mileage expenses. We will also file the Schedule SE which takes care of your self-employment taxes as well. You must select 'Form 1040' in order to file a Schedule C. The 1040-EZ and 1040-A do not support this (an IRS restriction).
What if most of my income is reported on Form 1099-MISC, can I use your service?
Yes. We support 'box 7' on the 1099-MISC which is 'NonEmployee Compensation'. We will automatically select Schedule C for you to enter your income and any business expenses associated with that income. Again we also will file your Schedule SE.