Mailing Tax Forms, a Thing of the Past?

Tax time used to involve a pencil and a pile of paperwork, now the main tool needed is a computer. According to the IRS, 77 percent of Americans filed their taxes online last year, a number the government expects to climb this year.

While many applaud the ease of filing electronically, senior Henry Cook isn’t one of them.

“I like the old way,” he stated quite simply. “It’s harder for me to understand all the math and all of the new rules when it’s on a computer.”

Cook, who has taken his taxes to the same tax preparer for 25 years, had to join the online tax revolution a few years ago.

“My tax guy said he had to file them online, so I finally gave in,” Cook said. The retired Golden Valley resident says he is learning to deal with the changes.

While some prefer the old method, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman says e-filing is here to stay.

"E-file is the best option for taxpayers. E-file enables taxpayers to file more accurate returns and receive their refunds quickly and safely," Shulman said in a news release.

Refunds are now electronically deposited into bank accounts and those who owe the IRS can pay online through secure banking lines.

“Providing quality service is one of our top priorities. It not only reduces the burden on taxpayers, but also helps in filing an accurate return right from the start,” Shulman said.

Paper tax forms are hard to find these days as e-filing takes over. Post offices used to stay open late in mid April to accommodate last minute filers that needed to mail their taxes, now few post offices go to the trouble.

What do you think of the switch? Is filing taxes online better?