Thursday, February 03, 2005
Government Freebie
I just e-filed my federal taxes. For FREE!
Here's how you can get in on the scam (it's actually not a scam, but for the sake of feeling like you're getting away with something, play along):
Go to the scam site (it's actually not a scam site, it's the IRS ... come to think of it, maybe it is a scam site after all).
Read the info, and if you feel comfortable e-filing your federal return (and not paying for it), click the "Start Now" button.
Then select an e-filer from the list provided. The organization seems to be randomized so at some point they'll all show up at the top of the list; you might want to scan through until you find a service that you're comfortable with. I chose a service I'd used before, actually having paid them to file my federal/state returns in previous years. (oooh, I scammed 'em good this year!)
Then go through the process of filling out the info on the site of your choice and send it in. If it's a site you've used before, some of the information may be able to be forwarded from previous filings. A fee may apply for state returns, but you should be given the option of not filing the state paperwork through whichever service you've chosen. I chose to e-file the state because 1) now it's done and B) the refund be directly deposited in the bank. Maybe you can get direct deposit with a paper return these days - I don't know - if so, see point 1, above.
Now the waiting game begins ... has the refund been deposited yet?
How 'bout now?
Here's how you can get in on the scam (it's actually not a scam, but for the sake of feeling like you're getting away with something, play along):
Go to the scam site (it's actually not a scam site, it's the IRS ... come to think of it, maybe it is a scam site after all).
Read the info, and if you feel comfortable e-filing your federal return (and not paying for it), click the "Start Now" button.
Then select an e-filer from the list provided. The organization seems to be randomized so at some point they'll all show up at the top of the list; you might want to scan through until you find a service that you're comfortable with. I chose a service I'd used before, actually having paid them to file my federal/state returns in previous years. (oooh, I scammed 'em good this year!)
Then go through the process of filling out the info on the site of your choice and send it in. If it's a site you've used before, some of the information may be able to be forwarded from previous filings. A fee may apply for state returns, but you should be given the option of not filing the state paperwork through whichever service you've chosen. I chose to e-file the state because 1) now it's done and B) the refund be directly deposited in the bank. Maybe you can get direct deposit with a paper return these days - I don't know - if so, see point 1, above.
Now the waiting game begins ... has the refund been deposited yet?
How 'bout now?
Mikesell
1 Snarky Remarks:
yes - you can get direct deposit on a paper filed return; however, if you e-file your returns, the funds will be deposited within two weeks - at least on the fed side. i've had good luck with the state of california meeting or beating the two week mark.....so if you can e-file - it's the best way to go!
Anonymous, at 12:12 AM
