Federal, 1040 Income Tax Return Preparation

Here are some of the common questions we get. For more complete information, search the Tax Questions Database.

• > What is e-file?
• > Do I qualify for e-filing?
• > Is filing taxes online secure?
• > How do I get a rapid refund?
• > What if I need help while I'm preparing my returns?
• > What types of tax returns and which forms can I prepare with this program?
• > How do I check my electronic filing status?
• > What if I make a mistake?
• > If I prepare and file my return online, how do I get my W-2 to the IRS?
• > Do I have to finish my return all at once or can I save it and finish later?
• > Can I electronically file my return if I owe money to the IRS?
• > What if I need to file more than one state return ?
• > My Internet connection appears slow, why does it take so long to open my return?
• > Why do I get an error message that tells me my session has expired, and to log on again?

What is e-file?

It is an IRS system that allows us to electronically transmit your tax return information directly to the IRS rather than mailing paper forms. e-filing offers you security, speed, and accuracy in addition to helping you get your tax refund faster.

Do I qualify for e-filing?

Most taxpayers who live in the United States qualify for electronic filing. These are the common exceptions:

• You earned income from a state in which you do not live.
• Your filing status is Married Filing Separately and you live in a state that is subject to community property rules.
• Your status is Married Filing Jointly, only one spouse earned income, and you are claiming Child Care Credit. (All three must apply to disqualify you.)

If you do not qualify, you can still use our program to prepare your return. When it is finished,  you can print your return and mail it. Our program will provide the mailing address.

Is filing taxes online secure?

Yes, WebTaxService adheres to the newest  security and privacy practices to protect our customers information. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol to protect your tax information during transmission and only support browsers that use SSL encryption technology. We operate under very strict security guidelines to protect your information and to comply with IRS requirements.

How do I get a rapid refund?

With e-filing, you get your refund in about half the time. For a fast, secure refund, have your federal income tax refund deposited directly into your checking or savings account.

If you wish to receive an even more rapid refund, we offer a tax refund anticipation loan through HSBC Bank USA, N.A. (HSBC). The tax loan can be deposited into your personal bank account in as little as 48 to 72 hours after your return is accepted by the IRS – see our Refund Anticipation Loan information.

Please note, refunds from amended returns and injured spouse claims take longer.

What if I need help while I'm preparing my returns?

There is extensive help right on each page of the program, including a virtual assistant to answer common questions. Each page has multiple help feature like "Help with this page" and our famous "Where do I enter?" feature. You can also access our live customer support agents by clicking on the Live Help logo. 

For additional tax questions, you can search our Tax Questions Database. Finally, if you would like to have a tax professional review your return before it is filed, choose our Peace of Mind option.

What types of tax returns and which forms can I prepare with this program?

You can prepare your 2004 federal tax return and full-year resident state return. Our program supports most Federal and state forms that you will need for filing an individual tax return.
The program will prepare Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ and the necessary supporting schedules.

See a list of form supported by WebTax LITE and forms supported by WebTax COMPLETE.

How do I check my electronic filing status?

After you e-file your tax return, you will receive an email from us notifying you that your return was accepted from the IRS and your State. Alternatively, you can check your tax return status by returning to the site and logging in.

What if I make a mistake?

You can always change your answers before you file your return with the IRS. If you catch your mistake right away, just change your answer in the entry box. If you discover your error later, you can use the Go Back button to access your return from the main page. If you discover your error after you have filed, you will need to file an amended return with the IRS or with your state.

If I prepare and file my return online, how do I get my W-2 to the IRS?

[This isn't really an answer. Is the answer you don't provide it???] When filing electronically, you should keep your W2 in a safe place with a copy of your tax return.

Do I have to finish my return all at once or can I save it and finish later?

You don't need to complete your taxes in one session. You can save your workand  exit at any time when you are online. Then you can continue your return any time you wish. You will need to remember your user ID and password to log in.

Can I electronically file my return if I owe money to the IRS?

Yes you can. There are three different ways you can pay the balance you owe:

• Pay your balance due with a credit card. A small convenience fee will apply.
• Use the direct payment option to pay the balance due directly from your checking or savings account. There is no additional fee for this feature.
• Mail your payment to the IRS and state taxing authority. The filing instructions in your return will give you additional information.

What if I need to file more than one state return?

Sorry, our service only supports a single state filing.

My Internet connection appears slow, why does it take so long to open my return?

Our system uses high-level encryption to safeguard all tax data. When our program is started, it may take 20 seconds or more to properly initialize the system and begin your session, depending upon your connection speed.

Why do I get an error message that tells me my session has expired, and to log on again?

To minimize the likelihood of someone else gaining access to your information if you step away from your computer, there a 20-minute time-out. If our database hasn't been accessed within twenty minutes, it will log you out of our system. If that happens, simply log in again to continue.