How to efile Federal and State Tax Returns

Before you start, make sure you have all your documents at hand, particularly your Form W-2, Wage, and Tax Statement. By Jan 31, 2012 you should have received all your W-2 Forms from each of your employers.

Be prepared - and get your tax refund faster with this eFile to-do list. Print this eFile tax preparation checklist before you efile.

Can I Use My Last Pay Stub Instead of a W-2 to Prepare and efile My Taxes?

Answer: You can start your account on efile.com and enter your personal information. However, you should not complete and efile your tax return until you receive your W-2. Please keep in mind that you don't have to submit your W-2 with your efiled tax return, but the information on your tax return must be accurate since the IRS will have a copy of your W-2. It is your responsibility to keep accurate tax records.

What if I Have Not Received My W-2?

Employers are required to mail out W-2s by January 31. If you have not received a W-2 Form by January 31, follow these steps:

1. First, contact your employer and request a copy of your W-2. Allow a reasonable amount of time for them to resend it or make it available to you.

2. If you still have not received a Form W-2 from your employer by February 14, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. You will be asked to provide your name, address, city, state, zip code, Social Security Number, and phone number. In addition, you must provide:

• Your employer's name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number
• Dates of employment
• Time of employment, estimated earned wages, and federal income tax withheld (based on your latest pay stub)

3. If you do not receive your W-2, you still must file a tax return or request an extension to file by the tax deadline. If you have completed steps 1 and 2 above, you may use Form 4852, Substitute for Form W-2. You can prepare and efile Form 4852 on efile.com. Unfortunately, using Form 4852 may delay your refund while the information is checked by the IRS.

4. If you receive a W-2 or additional tax documents after you efile your tax return and they do not match the information you entered online, you must amend your tax return. You can prepare a free tax amendment through your efile.com account. However, the IRS does not accept amendments electronically, so you must print it from your account and mail it to the IRS. The amendment form has the mailing address on it.

The eFile Process

START your IRS efile return

• No complicated, hard-to-understand tax questions
• Previous tax year data can be imported by returning efile.com users
• efile.com fills out all the right forms for you
• efile software performs all math computations
• An online Tax Guide and Support is always there to assist
• Online help links and customer support is always available
• Access tax forms and schedules
• Prepare and efile multiple state tax returns(for the price of one) at the same time as your federal return
• STOP N’ GO: You can always leave (e.g. coffee break, watch a movie, do more research) and come back later — efile.com will remember where you left off

EFILE your return

• View, print, and complete draft copies of your tax return
• efile.com complies with all the latest tax laws
• Automatic error, accuracy, and omissions checking
• Your current tax year return can be printed through December
  • Filing options
    efile your return directly to the IRS
    Print your return and mail it to the IRS
  • Refund options
    Direct Bank deposit: receive your tax refund directly into your bank account via direct deposit (see tax refund schedule)
    Check in the mail: Receive your refund check through the mail
  • Payment options:
    • The Basic eFile Federal Tax Return option is free; State Return, fee applies
    • Deduct tax preparation fee from refund (e-Collect) or pay by credit card for Federal/State Premium eFile option

CHECK/PRINT your return

• You will receive email notification if you need to correct your tax return or check your filing status
• Keep your ID and password so you can access, store, and print your tax return until December of the current tax year for free
• Next tax year you can import, review, and edit previous tax year tax information

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