4 ms·

Does 'direct file' mean you won't have to post (by registered mail) your physical tax form to the IRS? That would be the biggest win surely (although huge loss

Does 'direct file' mean you won't have to post (by registered mail) your physical tax form to the IRS? That would be the biggest win surely (although huge loss for USPS)

ss1996 3y ago
Just curious, why are you still sending physical tax forms? Have you been filing 1040NR? Those were recently digitalized, while the standard 1040 has been digital since a while.
- creer 3y ago
  The issue is not the mere form 1040. Many taxpayers have to provide several to many other forms. But besides that, the reason for printing and mailing is that the IRS seems to have focused on either tax prep software company interfaces to the IRS (the tax prep software submits), or fill out - esign - encrypt/hash/protect - submit in their own web-based workflows. In the cases they provide for, there is essentially no provision for adjusting the form to your needs or attaching statements (notes in your own format). And attached statements are very often required. In particular the IRS refuses to let us upload a PDF or other images of filled out forms. Or email them. Such a submission could then take the exact same path as the forms they receive by mail - doesn't seem too hard - but no, we can't do that. Some departments at IRS/Treasury insist on a fax interface. As the main alternative to mailing paper. At least in this case I can use a (not exactly safe) PDF to fax gateway to get on with my life.
karmajunkie 3y ago
that’s not a thing for most people —registered mail is not necessary, even when physical forms ARE submitted, and the “Direct” part means directly with the IRS (no middleman). But the Direct File program is electronic so the answer to your question is yes.
coldpie 3y ago
You haven't had to do this for years & years. The IRS provides an online form for all the paperwork. Type all your stuff in and hit Submit, for free. AFAIK it should work for pretty much all tax situations, all the forms are in there. https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-form...
- creer 3y ago
  See the caveats and "not implemented" notes all over that solution. Many of them. Including basically mandatory ones (I don't know that their 1116 form is usable by anyone.) But yes, that one is progress. Although maybe not "years and years".

Does 'direct file' mean you won't have to post (by registered mail) your physical tax form to the IRS? That would be the biggest win surely (although huge loss for USPS)

ss1996 3y ago

Just curious, why are you still sending physical tax forms? Have you been filing 1040NR? Those were recently digitalized, while the standard 1040 has been digital since a while.

creer 3y ago
The issue is not the mere form 1040. Many taxpayers have to provide several to many other forms. But besides that, the reason for printing and mailing is that the IRS seems to have focused on either tax prep software company interfaces to the IRS (the tax prep software submits), or fill out - esign - encrypt/hash/protect - submit in their own web-based workflows. In the cases they provide for, there is essentially no provision for adjusting the form to your needs or attaching statements (notes in your own format). And attached statements are very often required. In particular the IRS refuses to let us upload a PDF or other images of filled out forms. Or email them. Such a submission could then take the exact same path as the forms they receive by mail - doesn't seem too hard - but no, we can't do that. Some departments at IRS/Treasury insist on a fax interface. As the main alternative to mailing paper. At least in this case I can use a (not exactly safe) PDF to fax gateway to get on with my life.

karmajunkie 3y ago

that’s not a thing for most people —registered mail is not necessary, even when physical forms ARE submitted, and the “Direct” part means directly with the IRS (no middleman). But the Direct File program is electronic so the answer to your question is yes.

coldpie 3y ago

You haven't had to do this for years & years. The IRS provides an online form for all the paperwork. Type all your stuff in and hit Submit, for free. AFAIK it should work for pretty much all tax situations, all the forms are in there. https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-form...

creer 3y ago
See the caveats and "not implemented" notes all over that solution. Many of them. Including basically mandatory ones (I don't know that their 1116 form is usable by anyone.) But yes, that one is progress. Although maybe not "years and years".