Last year alone, over 129 million taxpayers saved time and money by filing their returns electronically. Here are a few tax facts you should know about e-filing:

IRS e-file is more accurate than doing taxes by hand and mailing paper tax forms. Advanced tax software not only guides you through the return step-by-step, it also makes sure your math is correct.

IRS e-file is encrypted and has safely and successfully processed more than 1.5 billion tax returns. For 2016, the IRS put new safeguards in place to make identity theft and fraud even less likely.

Pay zero (or nearly zero) for filing with IRS Free File. According to the IRS, over 70 percent of taxpayers are eligible to file their federal tax returns absolutely free, saving potentially hundreds of dollars in fees to tax preparers. Check this link to see if you qualify.

E-file speeds up refunds by reducing mail transit times and reducing errors on tax returns. In fact, the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days.

If you owe taxes, use e-file to set up an automatic payment plan on any day until the April 18 deadline.

The IRS also has volunteer programs for anyone needing assistance in preparing and e-filing tax returns, including those with disabilities, the elderly or taxpayers who speak limited English.

Using IRS e-file is both easy and safe. This year, do yourself a favor and give it a try!

Source: IRS