Kokua Line

By Gregg K. Kakesako

Friday, July 19, 1996

Hildegaard Verploegen is on vacation

ANSWER: You have several options. The simplest is to purchase commercially developed tax preparation software that features the 1040PC print option. The 1040PC option only prints lines with entries for your return. It can cut a 12-page return to two pages. You only have to attach W-2 forms, sign the return and send it to the IRS by April 15.

Another option, on-line filing, allows you to file your return from home through an on-line service. The on-line service then transmits the return to the IRS. You'll get notification that your return has been accepted.

The advantages of using a computer are more accurate returns, acknowledgment of receipt by the IRS and earlier refunds, usually within three weeks compared with six weeks for paper returns.

The refund can arrive sooner if the taxpayer elects to have the money deposited directly into a savings or checking account. Direct deposit also means greater security since you don't run the risk of losing the check or of its being stolen. An electronic filer receives a message from the IRS, usually within 24 to 48 hours, acknowledging that the return has been accepted for processing.

For information, call 1-800-829-3676 or access the IRS on the World Wide Web at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov

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