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What
is Electronic Filing?
The Electronic Filing Program
enables taxpayers to send their tax returns electronically instead
of producing and mailing a paper return. It is a fast and efficient
system that provides benefits to the taxpayer and the State.
How does it work?
The actual process begins when
electronically prepared returns are sent to the IRS. After the
IRS reviews and accepts the Federal return, they make the State
return available to that State. The State downloads these returns
and processes them. At each step, both the IRS and the State
send acknowledgments back that indicate that the return was
received and whether or not it was accepted. If the returns
have been accepted, one page signature documents, to which you
attach your W-2's, must be sent to both the IRS and the State.
How can I do it?
You may either prepare your
own return electronically or you may have a tax professional do
it for you. You can get more details from our Individual
Filing Page- or
from a tax professional.
Are there step by step
instructions?
The software product that you
purchase should have clear and easy to follow instructions for
completing and filing your electronic return. In many cases
the software companies provide telephone numbers for technical
support and help desk assistance.
What returns can I file
this way?
You may file just your Federal
income tax return. However, to file your New Jersey income tax
return, you must also file your Federal return. The program
that New Jersey participates in is called the Fed/State Program
and provides for the simultaneous filing of both returns.
Are there any limitations?
Yes. You can only file the
current year's return. You can not file a prior year's return.
You may file the NJ-1040, TR-1040, NJ-1040 (part-year), and
NJ-1040NR returns.
New Jersey does not accept amended
returns in an electronic format. A rejected e-filed return,
however, may be corrected and re-submitted.
What are the benefits
from filing electronically?
There are
a number of benefits from taking advantage of this method of filing
your income tax return.
- 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 won't 'get lost'.
- Your return is less likely
to have errors.
- If you are due a refund, you
can expect to have it mailed to you within about ten working
days. You may have to wait six to eight weeks for a paper
filed return.
- If you have a balance due,
you can file early and forward your check separately. Your
payment still has to be in by April 15th.
You
can always contact the Division of Taxation's Hotline at (609)
292-6400 and/or stop by one of Taxation's
Offices - for walk in assistance.
What happens if
I make a mistake on my electronic return?
The software that you use should
prevent mathematical errors. However, if you need to file an
amended return you will have to prepare a paper amended return.
Where can I get more
information?
You can call the New Jersey
Division of Taxation's Hotline at (609) 292-6400, visit our
Individual
Filing Page, - or contact a tax professional.
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