It's estimated 30 million Americans will 'e-file' this year.. mailing their federal and state returns electronically.. or over the internet. If you are thinking about e-Filing, News Specialist Scott Light says there's at least one good reason why you should.

Heidi Hepler wanted to make sure her taxes were just right, so she went to a professional at the state tax commission.

In fact.. the professional help came with an attractive price. The state offers free tax help for certain groups of people.

The state has helped people in the past but this year is different. They're getting rid of the paperwork. Everyone who comes in here this year to file will be doing it electronically.

E-filing means filing taxes over the internet or directly to the IRS through computer software.

The state has an automatic link straight to the IRS.

"It's important to do it in a way that's quick." And that's probably the biggest advantage of electronic filing.

E-file this week, refund checks by next week.

C.P.A. Hal Rosen says, "For example, if you have your e-file approved by Thursday morning, the I.R.S. drains its computers on Thursday. The money will be in your account by the following Friday.. eight days."

That's also how to know if you're a good e-file candidate.

If you're expecting a sizeable return, then e-filing is a great option.

Or if you're worried about a complicated return, electronic filing is more accurate.

Statistics show errors are reported in less than one percent of e-filed taxes.

"At this point, 20-percent of our tax returns are e-filed."

But no one ever said technology was cheap. Professional tax preparers can charge an extra fee for electronically filing your taxes.

The free service that's offered through the state is reserved for lower-income or elderly people who can't afford to pay for professional help.

(4/12/99)