IRS.gov, E-file helps taxpayers

Given the large number of changes this year, there are several easy options for taxpayers to turn to for help. IRS.gov will have information on all the tax changes and new features this year.

Key features include:

1040 Central. This is a onestop online shop for people hunting key forms, looking for what's new in the tax code and answers to frequently asked questions.

Where's My Refund? Once taxpayers file their tax return, they can track their refund through the online tool "Where's My Refund?" at IRS.gov. Taxpayers will need some of the exact information from their tax return in order to use the tool. Access this secure Web site to find out if the IRS has processed the tax return and sent the refund.

Filing electronically will prevent problems for many taxpayers sorting through this year's changes. With IRS efile, taxpayers can get their refunds in half the time of filing a paper tax return and receiving a refund check, even faster with direct deposit. IRS computers also quickly and automatically check for errors or other missing information, making e-filed returns more accurate and reducing the chance of getting an error letter from the IRS.

Taxpayers consistently give high marks to e-file in satisfaction surveys. E-file ranks as one of the government's most popular programs, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. And in a survey of users of Free File, 97 percent said they would recommend it to others.