E-filing taxes fast, efficient option, commissioner says
Electronic filing is a quicker option available in North Dakota to those who would prefer doing their taxes online instead of sending forms.
“ E-file has been in place in N.D. since 1999,” North Dakota Tax Commissioner Cory Fong said.
The e-filing links are easy to access on the State of North Dakota Web site at www.nd.gov.
Through those links, people can read more about e-filing and decide if it is a good option for them.
People can also choose from a variety of e-filing options. Many are also available for free.
The filing services allow a person to file for both state and federal taxes.
The services can also be used for filing in other states like Minnesota or South Dakota.
E-filing can be simpler than paper forms.
“ E-filing takes a lot of guesswork out of the filing process,” Fong said.
Online forms also allow for better organization and reduce mistakes.
If a person made a calculation error on a form, then the form would make the person correct that mistake.
The process can also make receiving a return or paying owed amounts much easier.
People can request returns to be put directly into their bank accounts.
Payments can be made directly through a credit card, which greatly increases the speed and reduces the chance of error.
Should a problem arise in filing taxes, the online process allows the problem to be fixed at a quicker pace.
Fong said people “do need to look at the qualifications” when contemplating e-filing.
People can only make a certain income in order to use free e-filing services.
Certain states may have different rules as well.
Paper filing may also be preferable for those who are not computer savvy.
The paper tax forms can be taken and filled out anywhere.
Computer security is also another concern with e-filing.
Paper tax forms may be preferable for those who don’t own a private computer with a private Internet connection.
However, e-filing is available as a quicker and easier alternative to paper filing — should it be right for the person.
Fong said more than 147,000 people chose to e-file last year, and he hopes many more will choose the service this year as well.