How does electronic filing work?
Electronic filing is a partnership with Oklahoma and the IRS to allow the filing of both federal and state income tax returns electronically at the same time. The electronic filing software places your federal and state return data in separate packets. These packets are transmitted to the IRS in one taxpayer "envelope." The IRS functions as an electronic post office for the participating states, who receive and process the state electronic returns. (Please note that this electronic filing process automatically attaches a copy of your Federal return to your Oklahoma return, eliminating the need to forward a copy of the Federal return to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.)
How will using this option benefit me?
Fast Refund - At the IRS and the Oklahoma Tax Commission, you can have your refund directly deposited into your checking or savings account. Your Oklahoma state refund will arrive within two weeks by mail and even faster (5-7 working days) if you utilize the direct deposit option.
Fast Processing - In most cases the IRS and Oklahoma can process your e-file returns much more quickly than those that are filed on paper. It saves you time and brings you a faster refund of your federal and state income tax refunds.
Improved Accuracy - Tax preparation software and e-filing processes eliminate most math errors on your federal and state returns. For example, the IRS error rate on an e-filed return is 0.5% compared to a 20%-21% error rate on a paper returns. State e-file returns are also edited and have a much lower error rate than paper returns.
Proof of Filing - You can meet your federal and state tax filing obligations at once. Also, you will receive verification your returns have been received.
Convenience - With the IRS and in Oklahoma you can file early and pay any balance due postmarked by April 17. That is to say, if you filed today and had a refund coming from Federal, but owed a balance on your State return, you would receive your Federal refund long before you State balance has to be paid. Just because you filed today does not mean you have to pay your balance due before tax deadline. Just make sure you send in your balance due postmarked by April 17, 2000.
Can all Federal and State returns be filed using this option?
Federal and state returns can be filed for any state in the United States and from any location within the United States.
How can I learn more about Oklahoma/IRS electronic filing?
If you would like additional information regarding e-filing your Federal return, please call the IRS toll-free at 1 (800) 829-1040. For further information regarding electronic filing your Oklahoma state return, please call the Oklahoma Tax Commission at (405) 521-3160. You may also e-mail your questions here.
No. The current system requires that you file both your Federal and Oklahoma tax returns together. This is due to the fact that the Oklahoma return is based off information included on your Federal return. Both returns must be electronically filed at the same time for the service to be free of charge to you the taxpayer.
No. At this time, the Netfile (TurboTax for the Web) system is a stand alone system. You will be required to answer the questions needed to complete your returns through an easy to understand interview and the forms will be filled out based on your responses to those questions. Once you have answered the questions, you will be able to view the completed forms to make sure the information is correct or to add any needed information. There is no software to download or purchase and it's free when you complete and e-file both your Federal and Oklahoma returns.
Can I file returns through my computer for friends and family?
Yes. Up to five returns can be filed as listed from one e-mail address. If each of your friends or family members have their own e-mail address, then you can file as many returns as you have friends!
I am having trouble with Netfile. Can you walk me through the steps?
Yes. Print out the following steps..
- When you are ready to prepare your taxes, go to internet address, http://www.oktax.state.ok.us. Then click "File Your Individual Income Tax Online for Free with Netfile!". This will take you to the information page regarding the filing option. From there, click "I am ready to file!" This will take you to the Oklahoma TurboTax for the Web page.
- Click "Start my return" and follow the on-screen instructions. TurboTax will ask you a few questions to determine which tax preparation product is right for you. TurboTax offers two tax preparation products, TurboTax EZ (for simple returns) and TurboTax for the Web (for all other personal tax returns).
- After TurboTax determines which product is right for you, you will be asked whether you want to start a new return or continue an existing return. You should choose the option, "Start a new return."
- Enter a user name and password that you can remember. You will need these if you want to come back at a later time to make changes to your return. We recommend you write down your user name and password and keep them in a safe place.
- TurboTax will now ask you a series of simple questions to prepare your federal and state return. Read each question carefully.
- When you are done entering information for both your federal and state return, TurboTax will check the information to make sure there are no errors. If there are any errors, follow the on-screen instructions to fix the error.
- When your return is complete and error free, TurboTax will ask you for registration information. You must complete this before you print or electronically file your return.
- After you register, TurboTax will walk you through the filing process step-by-step. You can either electronically file your return, or you can print a copy and mail it through traditional mail.
- If you decide to electronically file your return, you must complete three important steps after your return is sent electronically to the IRS and the state of Oklahoma.
- Go to www.turbotax.com to verify that your return was received and accepted by the IRS and Oklahoma. Go to www.turbotax.com and click on the Electronic Filing link. TurboTax will tell you if your return was accepted after you provide your social security number. When your return is accepted, the IRS and Oklahoma will each give you a Declaration Control Number (or DCN). This is your proof that your return is complete.
- Complete the 8453-OL. This is a form that you must complete and mail into the IRS even though you’ve sent your return electronically. After you get your DCN, write it on the 8453-OL and mail it to the IRS address provided on the form.
- Complete the 511EF. This is a form that you must complete and mail to Oklahoma even though you’ve sent your return electronically. After you get your DCN, write it on the 511EF and mail it to the address provided on the form.
I do not have a printer. Can I still use this system?
In order to complete the entire process of electronic filing and receiving paper copies of your returns for your files you will need to have access to a printer. You can download the files and store them on disk until such time as you have access to a printer or you could e-mail the file to a location where it could be printed. Please note that you need to print out the Forms 8453-OL and 511EF (your signature documents) as soon as possible because once you receive your confirmation that your returns were accepted, you'll need to mail those in. Either way, at some point you will need access to a printer in a timely manner.
How do I use this system at a public library?
There are several key points to remember when you are accessing the system via some sort of public access location. First off, the steps you will go through will be identical to those listed in the above "step-by-step" process.
How you log-on to the internet varies from location to location. Once you get into the system, keep in mind that you must have an e-mail address to utilize this filing option. If you do not have one, check out one of the free e-mail services such as "hotmail.com". Your confirmation will be sent to this e-mail address and usually the library does not offer this service to users.
Once you have finished and printed out your files, you will want to be sure to load the file onto a diskette and "trash" your print file. If you do not do this, anyone who gets on the computer next will be able to open, view and print out your file containing confidential information. If library personnel have questions on this system, please contact the us here.
How long will I be able to access my tax returns/information on this system?
TurboTax will store your information and print file for three years. If you are not able to print your file and for any reason need to re-download it, don't worry. The file will still be there for three years. You also can access your 1999 tax filing at anytime during the next three years should you perhaps need an additional copy or to read through something.
| © 2000 Oklahoma Tax Commission. All rights reserved. |
| This page last modified February 2, 2000. |
| Questions regarding OTC income tax forms, please e-mail here. |
| Questions or comment regarding links or design, please e-mail here. |