Frequently Asked Questions

Filing your tax return using IRS e-file is more convenient than ever! Using your personal computer, tax preparation software and a modem, you can prepare and electronically file your tax return information from home! It's that simple. As always, IRS e-file means FAST REFUNDS - in half the time as when filing on paper - even faster with Direct Deposit!

E-FILE QUESTIONS What is IRS e-file? Who can use this program and what equipment do I need? What are the benefits to using this option to file? How does this IRS e-file option work? How will I know if the IRS has received my return? How does the IRS know that I agree with the information sent electronically? When will I get my refund? How important is mailing the Form 8453-OL to the IRS office? What happens if I forget to send it in? SYSTEM QUESTIONS What are the system requirements on my end? Is all my personal (especially financial) information safe? Is help available online while I'm filling out my return? What's free? What charges are there? How do I make use of a coupon or special discount code? What information do I need to enter a tax return into the system? Do I have to finish my return all in one session? How can I print my return? What about electronic filing? How will I know the status of my electronically filed return? What if my return is rejected? How quick can I get my refund? Will my return by available to me next year? Will I have to get a new account number? What is this Form 8453OL? Why do different bank numbers show up on my 1040 and on my Form 8453OL when I choose to have my service fees withdrawn from my refund?

Q: What is IRS e-file? IRS e-file is a way to file a tax return electronically to the IRS. Upon receipt of the return information, IRS computers quickly and automatically check for errors or other missing information (the error rate for electronic returns is less than one percent opposed to the error rate for paper returns which remains steady between 20 and 21 percent). Within 48 hours of electronic transmission, IRS acknowledges acceptance of the return. Only IRS e-file options provide this assurance. BACK to top.

Q: Who can use this program and what equipment do I need to e-file my return from home? Anyone who has a computer, modem and tax preparation software that offers the IRS e-file option can participate in this program. BACK to top.

Q: What are the benefits of using this option to file? You can file from the convenience of your home. In addition, you have all the benefits of IRS e-file - a faster and easier way to file than through the traditional paper process. IRS e-file option allow for more accurate processing and offer the safety and security of Direct Deposit so that you get your refund in half the time compared to filing on paper. IRS e-file options allow you to file early and pay any tax due by April 15th. BACK to top.

Q: How does this IRS e-file option work? Taxpayers prepare return(s) on a personal computer using commercial tax preparation software and transmit the information via modem to an electronic return transmitter. The electronic return transmitter converts the file from the tax preparation software format to the format that meets IRS specifications and transmits it to the IRS. When the IRS receives such "on-line" return(s), the electronic return transmitter is notified who then informs the taxpayer whether the return has been accepted or rejected. The taxpayer is required to send the signature document, Form 8453-OL U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for On-Line Filing, with Forms W-2 and supporting documents to the appropriate service center when the return is accepted. If a return is not accepted, the electronic return transmitter will assist taxpayers in the correction process as part of their customer support. BACK to top.

How will I know if the IRS has received my return? How does the IRS know that I agree with the information sent electronically? After the return is transmitted, the electronic return transmitter informs you whether the return has been accepted or rejected by the IRS. If the return is accepted, you are required to sign and send the signature document, Form 8453-OL, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for On-Line Filing, with Forms W-2 and supporting documents to the appropriate service center. Signing this document indicates you have verified and agree with the return information. If the return was not accepted, the electronic return transmitter will assist you in the correction process as part of their customer service. BACK to top.

When will I get my refund? Refunds should be in your savings or checking account normally within 9-16 days. IRS Special Processing could delay refunds (normally not more than one week). If a balance is due, you can still file the return when it is convenient and pay by April 15th. BACK to top.

How important is mailing the Form 8453-OL to the IRS office? What happens if I forget to send it in? It is very important. Since your signature on this form indicates your agreement with the return information submitted, taxpayers who do not provide the signature document may not be permitted to participate or use future IRS e-file options. The return is not considered complete until the signature document, Form 8453-OL is received by the IRS. BACK to top.

Q: What are the system requirements on my end? You need access to the internet, and if you are reading this, you should have that. You also need a web browser. This is a piece of software which enables you to browse the world wide web. Again, if you're reading this, you have one. We have tested the system using Netscape versions 3 + 4 and Microsoft Internet Explorer, version 4 browsers. Unfortunatly, MSIE version 3 is not robust enough in handling JavaScript to function properly in this system. * We understand the AOL version 4 automatically integrates the capabilities of whatever version of Microsoft IE that you have installed. We have not confirmed this, but if it is true, AOL users could then use this combination of softwares, AOL-4 & MSIE-4, to access this system. It may be that other browsers will work. If so, they would have to support JavaScript to function properly. The system is optimized for 800 X 600 screen resolution. It can work of course at whatever resolution you are using, but you will find it much easier to view the screens at this resolution or higher. You may also need a printer which is set up to operate with your computer and operating system if you wish to print your return. Since the system uses JavaScript embeded in the HTML pages to make up the tax forms and schedules, user computers running operating systems and software which are pushing the limits of their hardware may experience slowness in performance. An example of such a system would be a Intel 486 cpu system with 8 megabytes of RAM running Windows95. In our experience, Windows95 does not run adequately on less than a Pentium class machine with at least 16 megabytes of RAM and preferably with 32 megabytes of RAM. BACK to top.

Q: Is all my personal (especially financial) information safe? The use of secure servers and browsers encrypts the data traveling between our system and yours. In addition, the assignment of unique account numbers and passwords ensures that no one can get access to your return unless you give it to them. BACK to top.

Q: Is help available online while I'm filling out my return? There are several resources available to you while in the system. IRS instructions are available through the "HELP" button as is general system help. Specific pages of the IRS instructions will be accesible through "IRS" buttons located on forms and worksheets. You can also submit specific questions to technical support via e-mail at any support@filesafe.net link. These buttons and links are spread liberally throughout the system with the "HELP" button being always available on the bottom button bar. Also on the bottom button bar is the "LINE HELP" button. This button will in many instances provide additional data entry information about the particular field your cursor currently inhabits. BACK to top.

Q: What's free? What charges are there? You can access the system to prepare your tax return free of charge. There is no charge for filling out and calculating your return. You can choose to have the system produce a fileable copy of your tax return and/or you can choose to have your return filed electronically. There are charges for these two services. You make these elections by clicking on buttons on the Forms/Menu while in your return. Make sure you have you're payment information on the basic information worksheet completed when you make these elections. BACK to top.

Q: How do I make use of a coupon or special discount code? Use the special field on the basic information worksheet in your return to enter this information. Follow the instructions you received with your coupon or code. The basic information worksheet is your first stop when entering a return. You can also return to the basic info worksheet whenever you choose when entering a return to enter this information. BACK to top.

Q: What information do I need to enter a tax return into the system? You will need all the relevant information you normally need to prepare your return. This will include all your income statements; W2, 1099s, etc... You will also need any deductible expense information such as mortgage interest, medical expenses, etc... It is also a good idea to have your prior year tax return handy. BACK to top.

Q: Do I have to finish my return all in one session? NO. You can leave your return and come back later to finish it. BACK to top.

Q: How can I print my return? It's as simple as clicking the "PRINT RETURN" button from the "Forms/Menu" while in your return. No special software is needed. You should be able to print your return using any printer which has been properly setup with your operating system. This would include ink jets, bubble jets, laser printers, and dot matrix printers 24 pin or better. It is also necessary to have your payment information on the basic information worksheet correctly filled in. BACK to top.

Q: What about electronic filing? Electronic filing of your tax return speeds up your refund and provides you with an electronic "receipt" showing that your return has been filed and received by the IRS. If there are any problem areas, you get a quick response. With paper filing, you may wait weeks or even months to find out there was something wrong. It's as easy as a mouse click on the "FILE RETURN" button on the "Forms/Menu" while in your return. Make sure you have your payment information on the basic information worksheet filled in before you make this election. BACK to top.

Q: How will I know the status of my electronically filed return? Did it get there OK? Was it accepted? You will be notified via email at every important step along the electronic filing path. We will notify you when your return is received, when it is transmitted to the IRS, and when a response from the IRS is received by the system. You can also see copies of the email we send you from inside the system from the "Forms/Menu" page by clicking on the "CHECK RETURN STATUS" button. BACK to top.

Q: What if my return is rejected? You will be notified via email about the rejection including the reason for the rejection. This notice will include the IRS rejection code information as well as a description of the problem. If you can correct the problem, you can then file the return again. You will only be billed once for electronic filing when your return is accepted. BACK to top.

Q: How quick can I get my refund? If you elected to directly deposit your refund, you can expect it in about 9 to 16 days from the date the return was accepted by the IRS. IRS Special Processing could delay refunds (normally not more than one week). If you filed your return on paper, it can take 6 weeks or more to receive your refund. BACK to top.

Q: Will my return be available to me next year? All returns which have been filed electronically or have chosen to print IRS forms will be "rolled over" in preparation for the next season and will be available to you on the system. BACK to top.

Q: Will I have to get a new account number? We do require a new account be setup each tax season. Although your return will be "rolled over" as mentioned above, you will need to setup a new account so that we may maintain accurate and up to date information on all our account holders. BACK to top.

Q: What is this Form 8453OL? The Form 8453OL is a form you must send to the IRS after your electronically filed return has been accepted by the IRS. You should attach your W2s, 1099Rs, etc. to the form when you send it. The email we send you when your return is accepted will contain instructions on where to go to get the form and where to mail it. BACK to top. Note: If you received an ECN (Electronic Customer Number) from the IRS, then the 8453OL is not necessary.

Q: Why do different bank account numbers show up on my 1040 and on my Form 8453OL when I choose to have my service fees withdrawn from my refund? When you make this election, your refund is routed through Santa Barbara Bank & Trust so fees can be withdrawn. The refund, minus the designated fees, is deposited directly from Santa Barbara Bank & Trust to your bank and into your account. The transfer process generally takes 48 hours or less after SBBT receives the funds from the IRS. BACK to top.