Electronic tax filing yields quicker returns without traditional paperwork

By MONICA MONGILLO
Collegian Staff Writer

With the tax deadline of April 15 just a few weeks away, many are fumbling around with calculators and W-2 forms at the last minute. But alternative methods of filing taxes also are available.

One time-saving alternative the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has added is the TeleFile system.

Using this system, a caller is asked to enter tax information via phone. The numbers are read back and there is an opportunity to make corrections before the system then calculates the amount the caller owes or the amount of the refund.

With the TeleFile system, filing takes about 10 minutes and there is no paperwork to send.

Using TeleFile, returns are processed quicker than those filed through the mail.

"Using a TeleFile return, if you file by 2 p.m., it processes the same day," said Rob Lettich, Pennsylvania TeleFile coordinator.

Refunds also are processed quicker with the system. Lettich said with a paper return, a refund could take as long as 10 weeks to arrive.

However, with TeleFile, a refund could arrive in two weeks.

The department mails TeleFile booklets to those who qualify for the program. Specific qualifications include seven or fewer W-2 forms, and dividends and interest totaling less than $2,500.

Nekose Wills (junior-media studies and women's studies) used the TeleFile system last year and said it was easy to use.

"The call took five minutes and my refund came in a couple of weeks," Wills said.

Lettich said TeleFiling also helps eliminate the possibility of forms getting lost in the mail, the deadline being missed or confidentiality being breached.

Another option for state and federal taxes is electronic filing (e-file). With the system, people can file online from their home computers or through a tax preparer.

The Internal Revenue Service created the system in conjunction with state revenue departments to allow taxpayers to file their federal and state income tax returns at the same time.

Some states, such as Pennsylvania, require state and federal forms to be filed jointly when using the system.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, taxpayers who file online are less likely to receive an error notice.

Electronic filing through a tax preparer, such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, is an alternative to e-filing from home.

A professional tax preparer can fill out forms and e-file them with the IRS. Marian Goodnack, manager at Jackson Hewitt, 1786 N. Atherton St., recommends e-filing.

"It's a good idea -- you have the security that the IRS has recorded the return and get your refund faster."