This tax season, electronic filing offers the simplest and most secure way to file and receive refunds quickly. The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) encourages taxpayers to take a few practical steps to avoid common errors that can delay processing.
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, seven 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 through 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.
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.
Those who need more time to file can submit a Form 204 on or before April 15 to request an extension. As a reminder, an extension does not grant more time to pay taxes owed. Taxpayers who have already been granted an extension through the IRS do not need to submit a separate State of Arizona extension request. They will need to simply check the box on their return indicating the approved federal extension.
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