Tax Tips Why Should You File Electronically Now? Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam Published Apr 15, 2007 2 min read You may be down to the wire right now and pondering whether to file electronically or mail the return off. One of the most obvious perks of filing electronically is avoiding any lines at the post office while trying to get your return postmarked on time. But did you know that electronic filing has a digital postmark as well? That’s right. So even if you’re rejected and have to file again, you have proof you can print showing you filed on time. When you file by paper, the only proof you have of the postmark is on the envelope that you sent off. Another perk of electronic filing is you know the IRS got it. When your return is accepted, you get a Declaration Control Number (DCN). This is your receipt showing they got it and it was accepted. One note on this, you shouldn’t wait until you’re down to the wire for filing. (I know, I know, we’re a nation of procrastinators.) You want to leave yourself some breathing room for technical problems. Just recently I had my internet access go down for an entire hour. This coincided exactly with a meeting I had that was conducted online. I was merely annoyed. Now imagine that happening from eleven to midnight on April 15th while you’re trying to file your return. And some returns aren’t eligible for electronic filing at all. So you want to try to file with plenty of time to mail the return in case you need to. If you have any questions on electronic filing, check the electronic filing forum to see if your question has already been answered. If it hasn’t, go ahead and ask it there. If you have any other questions about your return, check out our Live Community to find the area your question is about. You know your small business—we know business taxes. Our self-employed and business tax experts will ensure you get every tax break with 100% accuracy, guaranteed. Start for free 100% free to start. Pay only when you file. Previous Post Tax Payment Options from the IRS Next Post Do You Need to Fix Your Filed Tax Return? Written by TurboTaxBlogTeam More from TurboTaxBlogTeam Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax Help How to File a Business Tax Extension: Deadlines, Forms, and Penalties Tax Tips The White Lotus Tax Lessons: Navigating Gift Taxes, Lump Sum Payouts, Hush Money, and the IRS Tax Questions What Day Are Taxes Due? April 15! How to File for a Tax Extension or Pay Taxes Online Tax Questions What Happens If You File Your Taxes Wrong? Late Filing Penalties, Interest, and More Tax Questions What’s Tax Deductible? A Guide to Mortgage Interest, Long-Term Care, Funeral Expenses, Student Loans, and Roth IRA Contributions Tax Questions Is it Better to Get Your Taxes Done or Do Them Yourself? (And Other Tax Questions Answered) Tax Forms What is a 1099-K Form? How to Report Payments on Your Tax Return (2024) Tax Forms What is a 1099 Form? A Guide to Understanding Your Tax Obligations Income Tax by State Wisconsin State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide Income Tax by State West Virginia State Income Tax in 2025: A Guide