The IRS issued a Tax Tip (Issue Number 2020-25) on reasons taxpayers should electronically file (e-file) their taxes.
The IRS top reasons why taxpayers should file electronically are:
It’s safe and secure.
E-file is often free.
It’s available through many convenient options.
It’s accurate and easy.
People who e-file get faster refunds.
It can be used whether a taxpayer is getting a refund or needs to make a payment.
See the IRS Issue Number: Tax Tip 2020-25 for more details.
Refunds may be delayed due to the partial government shutdown. Many IRS employees have been recalled, but some employees are claiming hardship exemptions. After not getting paid for a month, employees can actually not afford to go to work without pay, because they have no money to commute to work and pay for child care.
Under their union contract, IRS employees are allowed to miss work, if they suffer a hardship during a shutdown. The hardship exemption allows IRS employees not to have to use sick days to be absent from work.
With many employees claiming hardship and not working, the government’s ability to process refunds timely may be affected. We recommend filing returns electronically with direct deposit as a way to mitigate any possible delays.