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New
Jersey offers the following two programs to electronically file
state individual income tax returns: NJWebFile
and NJE-File. These programs provide
a quick and efficient way for taxpayers to meet their tax obligations.
The benefits
of the E-File program include:
- You will know within a few days that your return
has been received and whether
or not it has been accepted or rejected.
- Your return is less likely to have errors.
- Your return won't 'get lost'.
- If you are due a refund, you can expect to have
it mailed to you within about ten working days, versus the six to
eight weeks for a paper filed return.
- If you have a balance due, you can file early
and forward your check separately.
You can
take advantage of these benefits whether you file the return yourself
or have a tax professional file it on your behalf. You may wish to read
some of the Frequently Asked Questions
about this program. We have also provided some guidelines
that provide more detailed information.
Filing Your Own Return
The
Fed/State Program will provide you with the opportunity to file your
own income tax returns electronically. You will only be able to file
the current year's return; you will not be able to file a return from
a prior year. You will be able to file your returns whether you are
expecting a refund, have a balance due, or no balance at all. The program
accepts not only the individual income tax return, the NJ-1040, but
also the Tenant Rebate and most forms and schedules that may be required.
Software
companies that offer a New Jersey product must successfully test their
product with the Division of Revenue. While there are variations within
each software package, the typical process for filing your own return
electronically would be:
- Preparing
and sending your returns to the software company.
- The
software company forwards the returns to the IRS.
- The
IRS will send a notice back to the software company acknowledging
that
they have received the returns and whether or not they have accepted
the
Federal return. If they accept it, the State return is made available
to that state.
- The
State then processes their return and sends a second notice back to
the
software company indicating that they have received the return and
whether
or not they have accepted it.
- The
software company sends both notices to you as they receive them. You
may
not receive them at the same time. You may receive the State acknowledgment
a day later.
- If the
State return is rejected, you may correct and refile it electronically.
The specifics
of each of the above will be explained by the product that you purchase.
Questions about the product that you use, or intend to use, should be
directed to that company. The New Jersey Division of Revenue can not
provide answers to questions regarding the specifics of a particular
software product.
Approved
E-File Software Vendors
Filing With A Tax Professional
As with
any tax matter, you may wish to utilize the services of a tax professional.
Most of them now offer electronic filing. The tax professional will
prepare your returns and electronically forward them into the Fed/State
Program. Any anticipated refunds will be sent to you.
You may
obtain additional information from the IRS
web site - or by stopping at your local IRS office. Correspondence
regarding New Jersey's program can be addressed to the Branch at: New
Jersey Division of Revenue, ELF Unit, PO Box 191, Trenton, NJ 08646-0191.
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