Why Use Electronic Filing?

[DenverDad]

I have used TurboTax for years.  At the suggestion of TT I always file using standard deductions and I always file electronically.  However, in 2017 and again this year, the Internal Revenue contacts me and asks for all my proof (W-2's, Social Security benefits, etc.).  They say they don't have a way of checking all this.  I know they get the same stuff I do, so I don't know if they're really looking.  Anyway, should I forget electronic filing and just mail my returns in?

[Anonymous]

I would continue to e-file as there are many benefits to e-filing your return.

[DenverDad]

I know the benefits, that’s why I use it. But having to wait eight weeks
for my refund isn’t much of a benefit. Not to mention the worry and hassle
of getting the stuff together and in the mail.  Not what I paid $80 to
TurboTax for.

Did you read that this happened two years ago and his year?  I guess I was
expecting a better answer from TT.

[CarissaM]

Paying the fees to Turbo Tax is going to be there regardless if you file by e-file or file in the mail. That fee is for the use of the Turbo Tax software. 

[DenverDad]

Thank you,  but that's not the point of my original post.  I'm trying to eliminate this hassle in the future, so why use electronic filing if I'm going to have to mail my documents in eventually?  Would it do any good if I were to ask the IRS that question?  There's something triggering the audit, but it remains a mystery to me.

To be honest, I'm thinking I can eliminate the hassle and the fee if do my own taxes and mail them in.  I love Turbo Tax, but since I'm always told "standard deductions" is the way I should go, all this has given me pause.

[LeonardS]

Generally, when the IRS ask you to verify your tax information when you efile it is due to there being an issue with the IRS verifying your identify.  This would probably be an issue regardless of what service you used to efile your return. That being said if you do not mind the added time to receive a refund when you file by mail then you should file your return by mail.  

[DenverDad]

Thank you Leonard.  That makes more sense than anything I've heard yet.  However, TurboTax is so great at verifying I am who I say I am, the IRS shouldn't have any questions.

Actually, I'm about to conclude that the reason for the inquiries is the nice refund we get every year.  My wife and I go to the extremes when we have taxes taken out.  We always put in way more than necessary just so we don't have to pay at the end of the year.  So our refund is somewhat of a savings account for us.   I hate to think we'd have to change that, but it may be something to consider.

Thanks again to you and your co-workers for your help.