Common tax errors and mistakes can lead to processing delays and frustration for individuals and families. The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) encourages taxpayers to follow these tips to make tax season easier and less stressful.
E-filing versus paper returns
Electronic filing makes it easy for taxpayers to file individual income tax returns with fewer mistakes and quicker processing.
- Convenient. The convenience of filing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from home.
- Easy, step-by-step instructions. E-file software makes it easier for taxpayers to prepare and submit their income tax forms by prompting them with questions.
- Faster refunds. On average, refunds arrive up to eight times sooner than when filing by paper.
- Accurate. Taxpayers can input or upload their figures, and e-file software does the rest, reducing human typing and math errors.
- Automatic. Returns are transferred right into ADOR’s systems. No mail delivery wait time. No paper opening. No sorting. No manual data entry.
- Proof of acceptance. Taxpayers receive an acknowledgment of receipt from both the IRS and ADOR via the software vendor. No need to worry about the delivery of a return.
- Secure. Confidential information is encrypted and securely transmitted to the IRS and ADOR.
- Paperless. Helps the environment by reducing paper usage.
- Free filing options are available:
- Free File. Taxpayers may qualify to file for free through the Free File Alliance. About 70% of taxpayers are eligible for this service.
- Direct File. Arizona continues its participation in the IRS Direct File Program for 2025, allowing eligible Arizonans to file their state and federal returns for FREE. After filing their federal tax return, FileYourStateTaxes tool guides users to file their Arizona state taxes, without requiring them to re-enter their information, creating a seamless federal-state filing experience.
Advantages of e-pay rather than paper check
- One-Stop-Shop. In a single step, taxpayers can e-file and e-pay.
- No need for paper checks. File early and schedule an online payment for the April due date. Expect delays if filing paper checks at the last minute due to filing volume.
- Peace of mind. Automatic withdrawals from the taxpayer's account and no need to monitor transaction activity or worry if a payment was received by the Department.
- Secure. No payment information is disclosed other than to process the authorized transaction.
- No ADOR service charges for e-check. Although ADOR charges no service fees for e-checks, taxpayers should check with their financial institutions about any fees they may charge.
Using direct deposit
- Fast. Receive the refund within two business days after approval - even faster if e-filed! Paper refunds are mailed within three business days after approval, plus mail delivery time, plus a trip to the bank can equal a week later.
- Extra secure. There is no check to get lost.
- More convenient. No trip to the bank to deposit the check. All that’s needed is a routing and account number.
- Free. No cost for direct deposit.
- Flexible. Available whether the return is filed electronically or by paper.
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