How to File Tax Returns to the Internal Revenue Service

Filing of tax returns for a range of taxes with the Tax Authority is a legal responsibility which must be satisfied by every taxpayer. A taxpayer has an obligation to file tax returns needed under a particular tax law. The law specifies the category of returns, the nature of information needed as well as the occurrence and manner in which the returns should be filed. On the other hand the Tax Authority has the responsibility of facilitating the process of filing tax returns by providing a taxpayer with standardized forms, guidelines and sequence. This guide is therefore aimed at providing information on the tax returns which are required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by various taxpayers under the Federal Tax authority.

It is generally best to go the extra mile when you are dealing with the Internal Revenue Service, even if it feels like a nuisance and appears like a waste of time. Always make use of a secure method to send your documents, such as registered letter, with acknowledgment of receipt, when you are snail-mailing tax returns and other documents to the IRS. This aids to ensure that you will receive confirmation that the IRS has actually received your documents or payment. E-deposit is virtually fail-safe as well.

The “Postmark Rule”

A lot is said about the “postmark rule” – which provides that the IRS does not actually have to have your return in hand on the due date, as long as you have it in the email in time. It’s true, although there are one or two other minor rules that go hand in hand with this one.

Of course, the envelope must be handled correctly and have adequate postage. If so, the postmark date is what you should go through, not the day the IRS actually receives it in the mail. The registration date is the date of the postmark if you use registered mail, and the date on the receipt is the date of the postmark if you use certified mail and have the receipt stamped by a postal worker.

Where to Submit Your Personal Tax Return

The IRS has more addresses than you can think of because its processing centers are located across the country. Imagine the chaotic deluge that would result if every single taxpayer in the U.S. sent their returns to a single location.

The address you will use is dependent on what you are sending and where you live. Go to the where to file page on the IRS website, if you are submitting a personal tax return, an amended return or if you are asking for an extension of the filing deadline. Click on the state where you live and you will automatically land on a page that shows the addresses for filing various tax returns.

 Now, all you have to do is match the document you are filing to the correct address for that particular paperwork.

These addresses are current for 2019 tax returns sent in 2020. It is always a good idea to check again in future years, however, to make sure that nothing has changed, because these addresses make changes from time to time.

Addresses can change

You do not automatically file your tax return to the same place you submitted it in years prior to 2020 if you live in one of these states. The addresses are not the same. Review the instructions that are made available with your tax return. The most recent, correct address should appear there. 

About These Zip Codes

Do not panic if you discover that the zip codes do not match those of other addresses in each location. Always make use of the dice. The IRS more or less has its own postal codes to help with incoming mail type.

The address to send a 1040 could be identical to the address you would use to send another form … except for the last three digits of the postal code. This is what differentiates emails received to the IRS. 

If you are sending money

Another interesting wrinkle is that the address usually changes depending on whether you are sending a payment with your return.

In almost all situations, you would send returns with payments to the IRS, and return mails without payment to the Treasury Department. Yes, it looks back. Wouldn’t the Treasury be a place to send your money? But tax rules are not always logical or simple.

Other tax forms

The addresses can also be different if you are filing something other than your personal tax return. For example, estimated payments and Form 1040-ES, changed returns and Form 4868 for tax extensions all have their own individual addresses so as to check your IRS status page accordingly. 

Hand-Fulfilling your return

You can hand deliver your return to a local IRS Tax payer assistance center if you really want to make sure that the IRS receives it without a problem and there is no one close to your location. Just have in mind that the IRS TAC offices require you to make an appointment.

Ask the IRS agent for a stamped receipt. Keep this receipt with your records as evidence that the IRS has your tax return.

The general Procedures for filing Tax Returns with the IRS are as follows:

ü Acquire the relevant returns form free from any tax office of IRS

ü Complete the returns form cautiously and in the approved manner

ü Get the form signed properly

ü Cautiously and properly complete the important form for paying the tax (pay-in slip) at the official collecting bank

ü Scrutinize your tax payment forms to be sure they are correct

ü Make payment with suitable payment instrument such as cash, internal transfer, etc through the approved banks

ü Collect e-ticket from the bank as evidence of tax payment and verify the details on it to ensure completeness and correctness

ü Hand over to the tax office that handles your tax issues the following documents: I. E-ticket issued by the bank as evidence of tax payment; ii. Duly completed return form; ii. All required documents (as the case may be, Tax Returns)

ü Collect tax receipt from the tax office and verify it is issued correctly

ü Resolve tax accounts with the tax office to make sure that no tax is outstanding.