E-File Taxes 2008: Not Permitted to File or Delayed Without This
by AC Hamilton III on Feb 02, 2009 with 20 Comments
Simple things you must know or you can’t e-file your federal return, or at the least, it may be delayed.
There are some basic, but vital things you need to know this year if you plan to e-file your federal taxes. If not, it can result in a rejection of your e-file by the IRS or, at the least, a delay.
First, you must know your “adjusted gross income” for the previous year. Now, granted we are supposed to have copies, but if you don’t; you can use your PIN number you created last year if you e-filed in 2007. If you don’t have either of these, you can check other financial documents, especially home loan documents to find this information. You can call the IRS directly and ask for a tax transcript to be mailed to you. Transcripts are the fastest verses a full copy of the previous year taxes. You will not be able to e-file without this information. This is being used as a security feature.
Second, you must know how much you received for the stimulus check last year. This must be exact. They know what the amount is, so be right. You can find this information by going directly to the official www.IRS.gov website and use the “How much was my stimulus check tool”. You can also check this information by phone with the IRS at 1-866-234-2942. If you file using software or a tax preparer who does, the software will figure out how much, if any you are owed in addition to that already received last year. If you are doing paper filing, you will have to use the “recovery rebate credit worksheet”. Whether you call or go to the site, you will have to have the following: Social Security Number, filing status last year and number of exemptions for 2007 (Not Dependents). If filing jointly, you enter the combined total of both. If you file this information incorrectly, it can result in a delay of your return (About 1 week), but will not be rejected. The IRS will fix this automatically, but why draw the attention to your return?
Finally, and not so new; take the time to review your tax return, especially the basic personal information. It doesn’t matter if you use software, a tax professional, or file by paper; you need to proof all your information and make sure every detail was entered correctly. We are too sure of our personal information some times, but typos do happen, and simple errors can cause rejection of the return or an audit. Software is only as good as the information entered, so check it thoroughly. Best wishes for an abundant return.
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Published in: Personal Finance
Darla Smith | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Great article and very helpful information. Thanks for sharing.
Reilley | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Very helpful to me personally, thanks.
Morgana | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I hate doing my taxes..drives me crazy
Debra. | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Very detailed and much needed write, AC. Important write.
jackalina | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
This article will be very helpfull to many. Well done.
jmichelsen | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Awesome information. Far too many of us know for too little about this process and any tips help.
Maria Blazz | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
This is one of the subjects you usually avoid but when the moment comes you really need this kind of information. Thanks!
hfj | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Good advice and very informative. Well done AC.
rutherfranc | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
very helpful of you sir.. better start saving for the payment right now
littlemisslizzy | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I can think of better three lettered words than tax LOL.
Glad I haven’t got to do all this – my employer sorts it all out.
Anne McNew | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
This article is very informative. thanks
Ruby Hawk | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Helpful information for all tax payers.We don’t like to think about it but it can’t be avoided.
Clay Hurtubise | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Thanks!
Have you heard anything about the ‘accountants in a box’ (software)? One better than the other?
Clay
nutuba | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
AC, thanks for the reminders! This is helpful. As much as I hate thinking about taxes, you put a nice spin on it and made an enjoyable article to read. Nicely done as always!
Yovita Siswati | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Taxes everywhere, is always complicated… Great article AC
CHAN LEE PENG | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Wow, great info for taxes! Thanks for your great tutorial here!
trishia | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
AC you are exactly correct on all the above points. I e-file every year.A couple of years ago,I had to call the IRS for a transcript of the previous years earnings etc. in order to e-file. Great information!
nobert soloria bermosa | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
well,we still do it here manually,maybe after a century we’ll have it done electronically too,lol
denus | Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
excellent article.
Inna Tysoe | Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Great information.
Thanks,
Inna