What is eFiling?
An “electronic filing service provider” (EFSP) is defined as any individual or organization who accepts files electronically from third parties for transmission directly back into court, for electronic service to other people or for personal service of someone’s claim against another. Electronic filing service providers act on behalf of electronic filing, rather than as agents for courts, when filings are submitted electronically. Should a court allow electronically filed filings, they can utilize it in various ways. Some courts start out permitting electronic filing but then make it mandatory or vice versa; other courts may begin mandating or permitting eFiling only for certain types of cases and later add more as voluntary or mandatory filing options. MyFileRunner was one of the pioneers to provide efile california solutions in Texas to enable attorneys and assistants to file court papers online. Since then, our reach has expanded into California as well as Illinois.
Why eFiling Affects You?
Since electronic filing was first implemented in California courts at the start of 2000, its growth has steadily been upward. This suggests that eventually electronic filing will become standard practice across the board.
If that seems dubious, consider a few statistics:
California boasts 58 trials throughout its Golden State. Electronic filing is allowed in regions that host large concentrations of businesses and people across California’s Golden State; Los Angeles Superior Court being the biggest trial court nationwide; cases are also filed electronically at other Superior Courts such as those located in San Francisco, San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties as well as various others courts across California. Based on current statistics it can be said there are two kinds of law firms operating within California: those that currently use eFiling technology and those that will soon do.
Here is how to use each category to guide your discussions:
Scope of service
Your first priority when looking for an eFiling provider should be finding one who files with all California courts with the option of eFiling, not just some or even most. In other words, all courts that allow eFiling must have access to it and you need a vendor who is capable of filing with them all simultaneously so you don’t need multiple vendors and systems for managing eFile submission. It’s also essential that the vendor offers other essential litigation support services while having documented performance at an acceptable rate from courts.
Performance and productivity
Does the provider provide electronic filing via an online portal, API and/or both? An ideal partner would offer both as it will give you maximum flexibility and extensibility when connecting with other computer software such as practice management systems or other e-Filing providers. They should also be able to tell you if court-stamped documents can be quickly and efficiently returned as well as whether custom reports and analytics can be made accessible.
Domain knowledge and court filing expertise
Experience is something anyone can claim; what’s important when selecting your ideal vendor is how much experience they have filing either electronically or physically in California court systems. Inquire also whether there are customer support options or other services provided for litigation support by this vendor. Which communication channels can you access them – phone calls, emails or chat services? Three methods? An ideal partner should provide multiple ways of reaching them and provide easy one point access to multiple courts at the same time with various court services offered through one centralized online portal are likely not the ones offering optimal services.
Performance metrics
What turnaround time can a prospective vendor partner offer you is an important aspect to keep in mind as this gives an indication of how efficiently and effectively their services will be rendered. Also before making a selection decision, each vendor should provide its eFill success rate, user behavior data, and order history information for your review.
References
Reputations matter. What the courts think about an EFSP matters greatly. When interviewing potential vendors, make sure to request references from both courts and customers whom you can reach out to directly for their evaluations.
How to e-file your business tax return
Electronically filing taxes (e-filing) is safe, saves time and prevents mistakes – find out how you can start this process now! Improving the efficiency of your business should be at the top of your agenda, and one effective method for doing this is filing tax returns electronically – known as e-filing or E-Filing – as this expedites filing processes while minimising mistakes and eliminating needless searches for papers over time.
If you file your return using commercial software
If you are filing your tax return using off-the-shelf software (or its online equivalent) then first log into file the return, select a five digit personal identification number (PIN) and verify your identity using birthdate and adjusted gross revenue of prior calendar year’s adjusted gross revenue (AGI). Commercial software allows you to plan payments up until tax due date using internet, phone and mail payment services or simply cash or checks mailed from home.
If you work with a tax preparer
If you are an accountant and need help addressing more complex tax matters or simply wish to ease the load off your shoulders, hiring or volunteering with an expert tax preparer could be the solution. Tax professionals typically hold licenses with IRS e-file service providers and understand tax preparation and e-filing process well enough to electronically file returns, manage payments and access transcripts from prior years – they even can give access to the Professional Priority Hotline which often results in quicker resolution of tax problems than dealing directly with IRS representatives.
State tax return filing
Your business’s tax obligations could include filing state income tax returns as well as sales taxes. For more information on filing taxes for your state.
Streamline with electronic tax return filing
IRS business e-file is safe and efficient, making it a good idea to incorporate it into your current tax preparation process. Whether you prepare your own return or need professional assistance with tax preparation, use this filing system for faster returns of owed money owed back. If filing electronically gives you any success you could see the money come back more quickly!