A. McLaughlin, Van Dootingh, Mosher & Co. is an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) who is authorized to file your return electronically to the IRS.

You sign your electronic tax return by either using a Self-Select PIN for e-file for a completely paperless return, or by signing Form 8453. See " If the return is electronic, how do I sign it?" for more information.

After you sign the return using a Self-Select PIN or Form 8453, the we transmit the return to a third-party transmitter who then forwards the entire electronic record to the IRS for processing. Once received at the IRS, the return is automatically checked by computers for errors and missing information. If it cannot be processed, it is sent back to us to clarify any necessary information. After correction, we retransmit the return to the IRS. Within 48 hours of electronically sending your return to IRS, the IRS sends us an acknowledgment stating the return is accepted for processing. This is your proof of filing and assurance that the IRS has your return information. We then send Form 8453 to the IRS.

If due a refund, you can expect to receive it in approximately three weeks from the acknowledgment date - even faster with Direct Deposit (half the time as when filed on paper). If you owe tax, see "What if I owe Money?" for payment options available this year.

Q. If the return is electronic, how do I sign it?

A. The most convenient way for you to sign your electronic return is to use an electronic signature Personal Identification Number (PIN) -- and it's completely paperless! We can answer any questions you have about electronic signatures. If you do not choose to use one of the electronic signature methods, Self-Select PIN or Practitioner PIN, you must complete and sign the signature document, Form 8453, U.S. Individual Income Tax Declaration for an IRS e-file Return.

Q. How will I know that the IRS really has my return?

A. The IRS lets us know that it has received your return information within 48 hours after we electronically send your return to IRS. If the IRS detects any errors, it sends an error message to us to correct and retransmit the return to the IRS. Only IRS e-file options offer this advantage.

Q. How accurate is IRS e-file?

A. IRS e-file returns are virtually error-proof with an error rate of less than one percent. IRS e-file greatly reduces the chance that you will get an error letter from the IRS.

Q. What if I owe money?

A. We can file your return electronically any time during the filing season; however, sending the payment for a balance due by April 15th is still your responsibility. You may file electronically as soon as you are ready and will receive a confirmation from the IRS within 48 hours of receipt of your return. You may then pay your balance due to the IRS by check, direct debit (automatic withdrawal) directly from your bank, or by credit card. All balance due payments, regardless of method of payment, must be authorized or sent to the IRS by April 15 to avoid late payment penalties or interest charges.

To pay by check, make your check payable to the United States Treasury and mail it, along with the IRS payment voucher (Form 1040-V), to the address indicated on the voucher. For electronic funds withdrawal, include your bank routing information and account number on the Form 1040 when you file electronically. You can designate the exact date (up to and including April 15) that you want the payment to be withdrawn (by the Department of Treasury financial agents) from either your checking or savings account at your bank. Credit card payments are also available, however you will be responsible for any credit card transaction fees associated with the payment of your tax.

Q. Can I e-file my state return with my Federal return at the same time?

A. Yes. Federal/State e-file, an extension of IRS e-file, is offered in 37 states, including Ohio and the District of Columbia.

Q. Is there a fee for IRS e-file?

A. McLaughlin, Van Dootingh, Mosher & Co. does not charge an additional fee for the electronic filing of returns prepared by us.

We hope this helps to answer your questions regarding the e-filing process.  If you have any other questions, please contact us.