Last year, roughly 113 million people e-filed their federal returns during the tax season. By the end of this year’s tax season, that number will be even larger.
Although e-filing is the most popular way to file, some still wish to paper file their returns. Others, don’t have a choice and are required to paper file. Whether you want or need to paper file, you’ll first have to prepare your tax return(s). With RapidTax, you can prepare your return anytime.
E-Filing in 2014
Want to receive your refund as soon as possible? E-filing is the way to go, and much faster than paper filing. Electronically submitting your tax return is faster than paper filing. The IRS has stated “9 out of 10 e-file tax refunds would be processed within 21 days or less.”
Paper Filing in 2014
Although the majority of filers elect to e-file their tax return, there are the outliers. Some simply prefer taking the responsibility of mailing their tax return over filing online. Others, are required to paper file. The latter group not eligible to e-file include those without income to report (no AGI), those filing prior year tax returns, etc.
Regardless, if you are paper filing your federal taxes, you will only send your federal taxes and forms to the IRS. If you are paper filing your state taxes, you will mail both your federal and state tax returns and forms to your state. Wondering where to mail them? The federal and state addresses will be listed among the first pages of your RapidTax return. Also, the IRS provides a federal return list of addresses.
What Are the Steps To Paper File My Federal Tax Return?
If paper filing your federal taxes, you’ll have to send only your federal tax return to the IRS. Follow these steps to paper file your federal return;
- Prepare your tax return online with RapidTax, when finished be sure to submit.
- When your return is available for download, download your return.
- Print your downloaded tax return.
- If you prepared both a federal and state return, take out the state section (your federal return will be first, and your state will follow).
- Sign your federal tax return where indicated.
- Gather any income statements you have (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
- Mail the income statements and signed federal tax return to the IRS.
What are the Steps to Paper File My State Tax Return?
If paper filing your federal taxes, you’ll have to send your state and federal prepared tax returns (along with any other state return you are filing) to the state. Follow these steps to paper file your state return;
- Prepare your tax return online with RapidTax, when finished be sure to submit.
- When your return is available for download, download your return.
- Print your downloaded tax return.
- If you prepared your federal and state returns with RapidTax, each will be included.
- Sign your federal and state returns where indicated.
- Gather any income statements you have (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
- Mail the income statements and signed federal and state tax return (along with any other state returns) to your state authority.
When mailing your return, you won’t need to include a copy of your drivers license, social security card, etc. You’ll need to include any forms reporting income such as W-2s, 1099s, etc.
Whether you’re e-filing or paper filing in 2014, RapidTax does the hard part for you by preparing your tax return. Don’t put off filing your taxes to a later date, create an account now on RapidTax and have your tax return prepared!
2/26/2014 Photo via Robert Couse-Baker on Flickr
