Efile Mandate

[Christian]

I read that Congress is going to lower the efile mandate to 10 returns filed. I am wondering if the client will still be able to choose mail filing just as now. Anyone have a clue?

[Lee B]

I believe the current requirement is any preparer who files 11 or more returns from the 104x series.

[Catherine]

A client can always opt out of e-filing (there's a form for that!) but the preparer cannot opt out of offering.  

[Christian]

That's my take on it as well Catherine. A number of my older clients use mail filing and will likely want to continue filing that way. I don't see a scenario where Congress would deny a client that option although most of mine have changed to efile . 

[Richcpaman]

I will never have a client sign that IRS form stating that they wanted to "paper File".  I efile all my returns, except those that can't be efiled for whatever reason, and that reason is usually the fault of the IRS.

If, and that is very unlikely IF, the IRS ever questioned the 4-5 paper copies I file every year (out of 600), I would literally laugh in their face. 

Rich

 

 

[Abby Normal]

I can't remember the last time someone asked for paper file. I'd guess over 10 years ago, maybe 15. I've had cheapskates ask what I charge them for efiling, but when I tell them we charge more for paper filing, they quickly change their tune.

[grandmabee]

I had a couple new ones ask to go paper after the news ran the story of Tax offices getting hacked.

[Abby Normal]

20 hours ago, grandmabee said:

I had a couple new ones ask to go paper after the news ran the story of Tax offices getting hacked.

I hope you told them that wouldn't make them any safer... unless you were doing paper and pencil returns.

[Edsel]

I think it is fundamental that governments receive filings in any way the taxpayers choose as long as the filing is correct.  Same thing goes for payments - Check, money order, cash, etc.  Governments have the problem of thinking that everything is theirs and forget where their substances eminates.  I'm aware of the operational dollar reduction in electronic filings and payments, but none of the rest of us are in a position to choose arbitrarily how our information and money comes in.

Just got back visiting my wife's relatives in the Dalton GA area.  Dalton is an old textile town, the leading source of carpets.  Saw a chart where the average wage has dropped from $30K/annually to scarcely over $20K/annually since 2012.  During the same period, the Dalton/Whitfield county government spending has risen from $50MM to over $120MM annually.