The IRS posted some interesting numbers via a press release that came out earlier today.

According to the IRS’ release, electronically filed tax returns are on track with last year and overall refunds are running nearly 10 percent higher so far in 2010.

The stats issued today cover the period through March 12. They show that while the overall number of tax returns filed this year is down slightly, the percentage of returns using e-file remains strong.

Check out these stats from the ‘Service:

• More than 82 percent of the 69 million returns received this year have come in via e-file.
• Home usage of e-file is up almost 7 percent compared to this time last year.
• The average federal refund totaled $3,036, an increase of $266 compared with the same period a year ago.

The refund increase follows a number of federal tax incentives enacted last year as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, such as the homebuyer credit and the American Opportunity Credit.

“There are several new credits and deductions this year, so we encourage taxpayers to see if they qualify when they fill out their tax return,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “To get their refunds quicker, the IRS reminds taxpayers that the fastest, easiest way is to e-file and use direct deposit.”

In a recent press release the IRS stressed a couple of points they want taxpayers to heed:

“The IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit when they file their returns because it puts an end to lost, stolen or undeliverable checks. Taxpayers can receive refunds directly into personal checking or savings accounts. Direct deposit is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns.

The IRS also encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically because e-file eliminates the risk of lost paper returns. E-file also reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up refunds.”

In the same statement, the IRS went on to add, “E-file coupled with direct deposit is your best option; it’s easy, fast and safe.”

I’m in complete agreement. e-Filing is a no-brainer for so many reasons. And as I mentioned in my last post, more and more people are e-Filing these days.

Remember, e-Filing isn’t just for your 1040. You can e-File a tax extension as well.

The IRS reported come interested numbers today about the recently completed 2008 tax season:

A record 95 million individuals e-filed their federal income tax returns during 2009, up almost 6 percent from last year’s total of nearly 90 million. About two out of three taxpayers e-filed this year; out of the 141 million returns filed so far this year, over 67 percent were e-filed, compared to 59 percent last year.

The IRS added that more taxpayers choose to e-file their tax returns each year. While the total number of tax returns has increased 10 percent during the past decade, the number filed electronically has increased by 168 percent. Taxpayers who e-file from a home computer continue to be an increasingly significant segment of those who e-file.