TAMPA, Fla. - March 3, 2004/PRNewswire/ - With the April 15 tax-filing deadline just around the corner, many taxpayers have forged ahead with their usual habits of gathering their W-2 statements, organizing their income and deductions, analyzing their numbers, and then mailing their returns to the IRS. However, Amscot Tax Service Bureau Director Amy Otteson suggests taxpayers reconsider that final step and start experiencing the many benefits of filing their taxes online at www.amscottax.com.

"Many people fear online filing, but in reality it is the fastest and most convenient way to file their income tax returns," Otteson says.

One of the primary advantages of online filing, Otteson explains, is speed. Taxpayers who file online will typically get their refunds within 14 days. Individuals who mail in their returns, on the other hand, can wait as long as six weeks for a check.

Second, Otteson says that the convenience cannot be beat, as taxpayers can file from the comfort of their homes 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Third, there is a lesser chance for errors since electronically filed returns are not punched into the computer by IRS employees. Therefore, taxpayers can rest assured that their information will be accurately transmitted.

What's more, even if someone happens to enter their annual income in the wrong location, for example, the IRS computers will reject an electronically filed return with any taxpayer mistakes. Taxpayers can then fix and resend their corrected returns within hours.

"Online filing," Otteson explains, "is practically error-free since the tax preparation software used automatically checks for any errors or omissions."

Next, taxpayers can be certain that the IRS has received their returns thanks to electronic confirmations that are sent within 48 hours of filing.

Finally, taxpayers who file online and actually owe money to the IRS are granted a two-day grace period, as they can delay payment until April 17.

Taxpayers who are interested in exploring the countless benefits of online filing are encouraged to visit www.amscottax.com or call 1-800-801-4444.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Amscot Tax Service is a division of Amscot Financial, a leading provider of convenient retail financial services for the mainstream consumer. Founded in 1989, Amscot Tax Service provides income tax preparation, electronic filing services and refund anticipation loans through its more than 50 tax preparation offices throughout Central Florida. For additional information, please visit the division's web site at www.amscottax.com.