IRS Stops Mailing Tax Forms, Prefers e-File

A few months back, I reported that the IRS wants more income tax returns filed electronically,  and now the agency has decided to stop sending Form 1040, Schedule A and other tax-related forms via U.S. Mail.  The reason for this decision is to save around $10 million per year and paper forms are becoming obsolete with about 96 million people having e-filed their returns last year.  According to Kiplinger's Kip Tips blog, you will get a postcard in the mail in a week or two which will explain your options for filing income taxes:

• Download tax forms and instructions from www.IRS.gov.
• Get paper forms from a local IRS office, library or post office.
• Use IRS Free File (available if you earn under $58,000).
• Use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free tax preparation and, in many cases, free e-filing (must you earn $49,000 or less).
• Take advantage of free basic tax preparation through Tax Counseling for the Elderly if you're 60 or older.

And, of course, using tax software is a great option if you don't meet the income requirements for free income tax preparation.

• Tax Software Reviews
• Free Tax Software: What You Get, What You Don't