Filing Taxes By Phone? No More (NAPSA)—TheInternal Revenue Service has discontinuedits file-byphone program called TeleFile. That move leaves more than three million U.S. taxpayers who relied on the TeleFile program without the option of picking up the phone to send their tax return to the IRS. The good news is, displaced TeleFilers shouldn’t despair. Former TeleFilers have new options they can use to do their taxes and learn about the benefits of electronic filing. Quick refunds and reduced errors are only a few of the perks of using the Internet. Online tax preparation and electronic filing is easy, fast, conve- nient and the fastest growing taxpreparation choice in the country. In fact, the IRS expects about three quarters of former TeleFilers to use an online solution to file their taxes this year. It’s fast, easy and makes the transition from phone to computer so simple. “The best option is for TeleFilers to file electronically. We believe once TeleFile users try IRS e-file, they will never go back to pencil and paper,” says Bert DuMars, IRS director of electronic tax administration. The IRS has a goal of 80 percent of all taxpayers to electronically file their returns by 2007. Online programs such as SnapTax, from the maker of TurboTax, make doing taxes fast and simple. Designedfor filers with simple tax needs, SnapTax is the next best solution to TeleFile and an electronic filing partner with the IRS. Like TeleFile, SnapTax offers a A new program lets taxpayers prepare and electronically file their tax returns online. secure, paperless option that lets taxpayers electronically send their taxes directly to the IRS. Instead of using the telephone, taxpayers can use a computer to enter their tax information. The math is done automatically and, with a few clicks of the mouse, SnapTax electronically files the return. By filing electronically, customers benefit from getting their refund back fast, in as little as ten days with direct deposit, and added confidence with e-mail confirmation the IRS received their return. Derrick Lerum, a former Tele- Filer, plans to go online this year to file his taxes. “I file a 1040EZ and using the Internet seemslike the next best thing. I want to get my taxes done quickly and get my refund back fast.” This year, TeleFilers can pre- pare and electronically file their tax return (1040EZ) with SnapTax at www.telefiler.com.
