E-File Process

The e-filing process includes the following steps:

  • Tax preparer/taxpayer enters data into a software program and prepares the federal and Arizona returns.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer confirms direct deposit information if a refund is expected.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer reviews and verifies information on the returns.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer transmits the returns.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer receives acknowledgements and notices.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer may print a copy of the tax return.
  • Tax preparer/taxpayer retains wage statements for four years.

 

To transmit a return electronically, taxpayers need a Self-Select Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign the return. The PIN number can be any five numbers (except all zeros).

To choose the Self-Select PIN, taxpayers will need their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous year’s tax return and their date of birth for verification purposes. If they did not file a return the previous year, they may still be able to use the Self-Select PIN.

Once transmitted, the IRS will acknowledge receiving a return within 24 hours. ADOR sends an acknowledgment within 48 hours.

Electronical filed individual income taxes are timely by midnight on April 15 (or due date for the tax year).

If a taxpayer owes taxes and is not paying by electronic funds withdrawal, individuals will need to send a check with a payment voucher to ADOR by the April 15 due date to avoid penalty and interest. The tax preparer will give the taxpayer a payment voucher generated by the preparer’s tax preparation software.

 

Paying Taxes Due Electronically

In addition to filing a return electronically, taxpayers who pay their tax due electronically will find the process convenient, safe, and free (when using e-check). All they need for an electronic funds withdrawal is their checking and savings account number and the routing transit number for their financial institution.

 

The benefits of paying electronically include:

  • E-File and E-Pay in a single step.
  • E-File early and schedule an electronic payment at the same time for withdrawal from a bank account on a future date.
  • Payment information will only be used for the tax payment(s) authorized by a taxpayer. No unauthorized withdrawals will be made.
  • Payment information will not be disclosed for any reason other than processing the transaction authorized by a taxpayer.
  • E-Pay is free. Although there are no service charges for using the electronic payment option, taxpayers want to check with their financial institution about any fees it may charge.

 

Taxpayers can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) from a checking or savings account. Also, at the time of filing, taxpayers can schedule an electronic payment from a bank account for a future date. For instance, a taxpayer may prepare and e-file a return in February and schedule the electronic withdrawal for prior to the April due date. The payment can be a partial payment or the full amount.

Additionally, money will not be withdrawn from an account before the date specified when filing in a timely manner. However, if a taxpayer designates a weekend or bank holiday, the payment will be withdrawn the next business day. If a taxpayer files late, the payment will be processed the day ADOR receives the e-filed return.

Please note that taxpayers can make an electronic funds withdrawal after the April 15 deadline (or that tax year's Tax Day). However, the payments will be considered late and penalties and interest may apply. Also, taxpayers cannot change their designated withdrawal date or cancel an electronic funds withdrawal request once a return is e-filed and accepted.

Taxpayers who choose not to pay their balance due electronically can send in a check or money order to ADOR. You must include a payment voucher with the payment; do not send a duplicate paper return if sending the payment after the original return. They can get more information and instructions from their tax preparer or the software program used to file a return.