Prefers Paper Filing

“ It’s Time to E-File ”( JofA, Nov.02, page 79) asserts that my clients will like me more and that I will be in a more competitive position if I’m compelled to pass through to them (in the form of higher fees) additional software costs, additional costs related to electronic filing program compliance and additional costs stemming from my diminished productivity—the natural result of adding steps to both the tax-preparation and recordkeeping processes.

That, in my opinion, is offensive not only because it defies common sense, but because its weaknesses make this work of presumably independent authorship appear indistinguishable from the most self-serving work of the Internal Revenue Service’s own staff writers.

The IRS can set e-filing goals until it’s blue in the face, but until it is equipped by Congress with the ability to modify behavior with incentives or with compulsion, its goals never will be achieved.

Until the time arrives that I can look my clients in the eye and tell them e-filing is simpler and cheaper than paper filing, I will continue to advise them to save their money by filing the low-tech way.

James G. Fawls, CPA
New Hyde Park, New York