E-file Software Products
You can prepare and electronically file both your federal and state income tax returns by connecting to a software company web site, if:
- You have a computer; and
- You have Internet access.
What You Need to Know:
- Below is a list of software companies and a link to their web site to find out more about each company's Internet security, pricing, features, technical support, and other information about online filing. Read the information on the web sites carefully before you choose a company and begin the filing process.
- Software will help you prepare your federal and/or state income tax returns (most products will include the federal tax return; however, some may not include the state tax return so choose the right software for your filing needs)
- Your returns will be prepared and stored at the software company's web site, so no new software will need to be installed on your computer
- Technical support for these sites must be obtained from the software company
- Software companies normally charge a fee that will change based on the products and services you choose to use. Read the information on the web sites for pricing and product details.
- Some low income and military taxpayers may qualify for free tax preparation and e-filing through the IRS Free File Alliance web page
- Most taxpayers can prepare and e-file their Wisconsin income tax return for free using Wisconsin e-file
- Web sites use the industry standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) so your tax information is safe and secure
Additional Information About Online Filing:
- Same great benefits as other e-file options - safe, secure, accurate, fast, and easy
- File your federal and state tax returns at the same time
- Get notice that the federal and state received your income tax returns
- Chose to direct deposit your refund, rather than waiting for a paper check
- Chose to pay your income tax owed by direct withdrawal or by credit card
- Keep your income statements (forms W-2 and 1099) for your records*
- Be sure the purchased software include the products and services you need
- Neither the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nor the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) charges a fee for electronic filing income tax returns
- DOR is not contractually associated with the software companies and does not have control over the availability of the web site
- Amended returns are not accepted electronically by the IRS; however, Wisconsin amended and prior year returns can be e-filed using Wisconsin e-file
*When you e-file and claim certain credits (for example, the homestead credit), you must send documents to verify the credit claimed. The Form W-RA lists what credits need additional documentation and it gives the needed documents.
If you need to send additional documents to verify a credit that you claimed, they should be sent within 48 hours of e-filing and you can either:
- Attach the required documents to your tax return to be e-filed (if your software allows attachments);
- Electronically send through a process explained at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/eserv/w-ra.html; or
- Mail to the address given on the Form W-RA.
The software companies listed below are approved by the IRS and DOR. Their software has been tested so DOR can receive and process their income tax returns. The software vendors are not contractually associated with DOR and DOR does not guarantee any aspect of the software, its features, or performance.
| Product Name/Company | Web Address |
|---|---|
| 1040.com | www.1040.com |
| 1040Now | www.1040now.net |
| 1040Return | www.1040return.com |
| All Seasons Tax | www.allseasonstax.com |
| Complete Tax | www.completetax.com |
| eSmartTax | www.eSmartTax.com |
| Eztaxreturn.com | www.eztaxreturn.com |
| FileYourTaxes.com | www.fileyourtaxes.com |
| FreeTaxUSA.com | www.freetaxusa.com |
| OnLine Taxes | www.olt.com |
| TANGO | www.hrblock.com |
| TaxAct | www.taxact.com |
| Tax Brain | www.taxbrain.com |
| TaxCut On-Line | www.hrblock.com |
| Taxpedite | www.taxpedite.com |
| Tax$imple | www.taxsimple.com |
| TaxSlayer | www.taxslayer.com |
| Taxsoftware.com | www.taxsoftware.com |
| Turbo Tax | www.turbotax.com |
Last updated February 24, 2012