Both methods of filing have their pros and cons. E-filing is safe, faster, and generally more convenient than paper filing. Filing by mail can be cheaper, though it takes the IRS longer to process refunds. Learn more about choosing how to file your tax return.
Advantages of E-Filing
E-filing was first introduced in 1986, and it got off to a slow start. A scant number of tax professionals—five of them, according to the IRS—took advantage of this new technology at the time. The new filing method eventually caught on though, and, as of May 2022, over 135 million individual income tax returns were e-filed in the 2022 filing season. There are several advantages to e-filing, which are outlined below.
Immediate Confirmation
The biggest benefit of electronic filing is that you’ll receive almost immediate confirmation that the IRS has received your tax return. If the IRS finds errors in your return, your authorized IRS e-file provider is required to attempt to contact you within 24 hours with an explanation, which will typically indicate what triggered the action and what you can do to fix your tax return.
Safety
According to the IRS, e-filing is more secure than paper filing because the return, with all your sensitive information, meets strict security guidelines and is protected by modern encryption technology.
Faster Processing
Your refund is likely to be processed sooner because e-filing means the IRS doesn’t have to sort or transcribe your tax return at its service center.
Less Human Error
There’s a lower chance that the IRS will make a mistake when processing your return, because IRS employees don’t have to manually enter your return into its system line-by-line.
Skip Tax Prep Programs
You don’t have to use an expensive tax preparation program to e-file your taxes—if you’re tax savvy, have a simple situation, and are willing to learn, you can fill tax forms in directly using IRS Free File Fillable Forms. You should be comfortable completing basic tax forms to use the program, as no guidance is provided.
Disadvantages of E-Filing
While the convenience and efficiency of e-filing have made it the go-to filing option for millions, there are some potential drawbacks as well.
Fees
Though there are tax prep tools that are free, many of the leading tax prep firms, like TurboTax, TaxSlayer, and H&R Block, charge fees for tax returns that go beyond a basic filing. Fees can exceed $100, depending on how complex your tax filing is and the services you need.
Doesn’t Allow for Certain Filing Situations
Though e-filing supports most tax situations, there are certain scenarios it doesn’t support. For example, you can’t:
Attach images or PDFs to your returnFile before the IRS opens e-filing for the year
Advantages of Paper Filing
Filing a paper return can be very helpful in certain scenarios that e-filing cannot accommodate. Here are some examples.
You Have a Rare Filing Situation
E-filing can only do so much. For example, if you need to file Form 1310 to claim a refund owed to someone who passed away, you must complete the form and mail it. Paper filing also allows you to print and submit images or PDFs to supplement your tax return.
You Want To Build Your Tax Expertise
Many online tax prep tools automate the filing process by asking you questions and using your answers to fill out forms without ever telling you which forms it’s filing on your behalf. If you want to learn about, and better review, the details of your tax return, including all forms related to your tax situation, filing a paper return provides the transparency you need. You can fill out each form line-by-line and see firsthand all the calculations and considerations your refund requires.
Disadvantages of Paper Filing
There are several drawbacks to paper filing that make the process riskier and more challenging than e-filing:
Increased Chances of Errors
Data transcribers at the IRS must manually input taxpayer information for every paper return they receive. This could result in errors that require you to file an amended return.
Overwhelming for Beginners
For filers who try paper filing after years of electronic filing, gathering all the forms necessary for things like student loan interest, mortgage interest, capital gains, and business deductions can be intimidating. That could lead to mistakes or missing forms.
You Need To Remember To Sign the Return
Veteran paper filers realize that you have to manually sign the paper return you submit, or the IRS won’t accept it. Novice paper filers often forget this fact, leading to even longer delays than what is normal with a paper return.
Tips for Paper Filing
You can do a few things to streamline your return submission when you file by paper:
Make sure your name and Social Security number are on every page, both front and back. Double-check your address. This is where the IRS will send any notices, so it’s important that you don’t make a mistake. Mail your return to the right IRS service center. The address can change, depending on which state you’re in and whether you’re including payment with your return. The IRS provides a state-by-state list online so you can find the correct address. Get an automatic extension if you’re mailing your return close to the official filing deadline. Keep in mind that you should make a payment with your extension if you think you’ll owe anything. Otherwise, you could be subject to penalties and interest.
The IRS will generally accept paper filings postmarked by the filing deadline—it doesn’t have to receive them by this date.
Alternatives to E- and Paper Filing on Your Own
The IRS provides a list of acceptable filing options on its website, which include the following:
Hire a tax professional to prepare your return. Use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE) if you’re eligible. There are specific requirements for e-filing or paper filing if you use either of these programs.
In the unlikely event that your identity is stolen, and the thief files a tax return with your information, your own e-filed return will be rejected by the IRS as a duplicate. You must file a paper tax return in that case and mail it in with Form 14039, the “Identity Theft Affidavit,” notifying the IRS of the issue.
You, your spouse, or one of your dependents doesn’t have a valid Social Security number.Someone already claimed a dependent you are trying to claim.You’re married but filing separately and subject to community property rules.Your return requires forms that can only be filed by mail.You have someone with power of attorney and require the refund to be sent to a third party.
