The Internal Revenue Service offers a convenient filing option for people who wish to prepare their tax returns using a personal computer. With tax preparation software available commercially and with their computer modems, people can file their taxes with IRS e-file.

IRS e-file, the IRS' electronic filing program, offers people increased ease of filing and speedier delivery of refunds. And since e-filed returns are more accurate, there's less chance people will hear from the IRS about mistakes on their returns.

People can e-file from their PCs whether they expect a refund or owe money. Last year, almost 2.5 million people filed their tax returns using this option - a 160 percent increase over the number in 1998. Those who use e-file will get their refunds in half the time as paper filers, even faster when deposited directly into a bank account.

Individuals who owe money and use IRS e-file can choose to pay electronically by authorizing a withdrawal from their bank account to make the payment to the U.S. Treasury. This feature will let people file early, have the peace of mind of knowing their returns have been accepted by the IRS, and manage their finances and time without waiting until the last minute to file and pay. Any amount due must be paid to the U.S. Treasury by April 17.

The IRS has worked to make this filing option totally paperless. People who filed last year using their PCs have the option of using an e-file Customer Number similar to a personal identification number. This will eliminate the need to send a paper signature document.

To take advantage of IRS e-file, people can complete their returns using tax preparation software and send the information electronically via modem to a transmitter, who will forward it directly to the IRS. The IRS sends an acknowledgment that the return was accepted.

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