The IRS is a big proponent of E-filing. In recent IRS studies it has been shown that e-filed 1040A and 1040EZ tax returns contain 90% less errors than paper filed returns.  The few tax forms that do contain errors are much more easily corrected because the IRS is able to check the mathematical calculations contained in the return.  In the event that the IRS finds a mistake that requires the taxpayer's involvement to correct, the taxpayer can often be notified in time to resolve the error and electronically re-file by the April deadline.  The speed of electronic communication and submittal has saved countless people from failure to file penalties and failure to pay fines. 

There are other benefits that E-filing provides that you can't get with a paper return.

• Thank you for submitting your tax return: Within 48 hours of your online tax return submittal, the IRS will send a confirmation that the federal tax return was accepted. You will be notified of your tax return's acceptance by myefiletax.com. The IRS never sends confirmations for mailed federal tax returns.

• E-filed tax returns always get to the right place: Your electronically filed federal tax return and state tax return will arrive safe and sound with no lost attachments exactly where it should. Many people who mail in tax returns don't realize the IRS has multiple addresses depending on the type of form you are filing and whether you are due back funds or owe funds. And remember, with e-filing you get that little email assuring you everything is right on track.

• Due to the decrease in labor costs to process tax returns we're lowering taxes: OK, so that probably won't happen, but it is true that electronic filing has significantly sped up tax return processing and decreased IRS labor costs. Hopefully, the less stressed out IRS agents will show a little extra mercy on those of us who do commit a tax faux-paus.

• I e-filed my federal tax return 10 days ago and already got my refund: That's right, the average turn around for directly deposited tax refunds is 10 days from the date the IRS begins processing your return. Not too shabby compared to the 6 weeks it takes the IRS on average to process a paper return and mail out a check.

• I e-filed my return and put the money I owed right on my credit or debit card: Yep, it's that simple. Rather than write out a check to the United States Treasury, remembering to put your social security number, tax form ID and tax year in the memo line, sign and mail it; you can call one of two IRS service providers. The Official Payments Corporation can be reached at 1-800-2PAY-TAX (1-800-272-9829) www.officalpayments.com or use PhoneCharge Inc. at 1-888-ALLTAXX (1-888-255-8299) www.1888alltaxx.com. Both companies can take your credit card payment by phone or using their websites. And there's no worry that the IRS didn't receive their payment by the April deadline.

• Hug me, I saved a tree: E-filing cuts down on the use of trees to be turned into little pink and blue IRS forms. Now when you have grandchildren you can point to the Oak tree in the front yard and say “I saved that Oak tree from becoming a 1040EZ by e-filing my taxes.”

E-filing: it just makes more sense. The only disadvantage to e-filing your tax return is not getting to lick the stamp. Just remember to hit print before you hit send so you have a copy of your tax return for your records. Print out that nifty little confirmation from the IRS too; you never know when it might come in handy.