As someone who switched from paper to e-filing last year, I can't stress enough how much easier it makes the whole process. The biggest game-changer for me wasn't even the faster processing time (though getting my refund in 3 weeks instead of 6+ months was amazing) - it was the error checking. When I paper filed, I'd spend hours double and triple-checking my math, worried I'd made a mistake somewhere. With e-filing, the software catches basic errors automatically before you even submit. It'll flag things like mismatched social security numbers, math errors, or missing required forms. Also, if you're worried about security, e-filing is actually safer than mailing sensitive documents. I used to worry about my tax return sitting in a mailbox or getting lost in transit. Electronic transmission is encrypted and you get immediate confirmation that the IRS received it. For someone with a straightforward return like yours (W-2, some interest income, standard deduction), the transition should be really smooth. Most tax software will walk you through everything step by step, and many have free versions for simple returns.

I made the switch from paper to e-filing three years ago and honestly wish I'd done it sooner. The processing time difference alone is worth it - I used to wait until September or October to get my refund, now I have it in my account by mid-February. One thing that really convinced me was the audit protection. Most e-filing software includes some level of audit support, and the built-in error checking actually reduces your audit risk compared to paper filing. When you paper file, simple math errors or forgotten signatures can trigger correspondence that looks suspicious to the IRS system. E-filing eliminates most of those issues before submission. For your situation with just W-2 and 1099-INT, you'd probably qualify for free e-filing through the IRS Free File program. Even if you don't, the cost is usually under $50 for basic returns, which pays for itself in the time you save and faster refund processing. The environmental impact was another factor for me - no more printing dozens of pages and mailing thick envelopes. Plus I can access my returns from anywhere if I need them for loan applications or other financial paperwork.

Quick tip from someone who's been through 2 audits: Start a dedicated email folder for all tax-related expenses the moment you spend the money. Take pics of receipts immediately and email them to yourself with a descriptive subject line. I use categories like "Office Supplies 2025" or "Client Meeting March 2025." Also, for any home office deduction, take date-stamped photos of your workspace. The IRS questioned my home office in 2023, and having photos with metadata showing it was exclusively a workspace saved me. For charitable donations, always get those acknowledgment letters and keep them organized by year.

The IRS audit process isn't as scary as most people think. I got audited in 2023 and it was basically just paperwork. My advice: don't claim expenses you can't document and be super precise with everything you report.

Be careful about keeping a business technically "open" but dormant for too long. I did this and it created some unexpected complications: 1) Had to keep filing zero-income Schedule C forms each year 2) Some states (like California) have minimum franchise taxes even for inactive businesses 3) Had to maintain certain business licenses and registrations which cost money 4) Created confusion with local tax authorities If you don't realistically expect to restart the business within a year or two, sometimes it's cleaner to just close it properly and start fresh if needed later. Those QBI losses might never be usable if you're fully transitioned to W2 income anyway.

This is a great discussion that touches on something I dealt with recently. One thing worth considering is the interaction between QBI losses and the overall Section 199A deduction limitation based on your taxable income. Even if you do generate future QBI to offset those carryforward losses, remember that the Section 199A deduction is still limited to 20% of your taxable income minus net capital gains. So if you're earning W2 income and have other deductions that reduce your taxable income significantly, you might not be able to fully utilize the QBI benefit even when you do have positive qualified business income. I learned this the hard way when I started a small side business thinking I could immediately benefit from my old QBI losses. The math worked out differently than I expected because of the taxable income limitation. It's another factor to consider when deciding whether to keep a dormant business alive or just close it cleanly. Also, regarding the state-level complications others mentioned - some states don't follow federal QBI rules at all, so you could be maintaining a business entity for federal tax benefits that don't even apply at the state level where you might owe annual fees or taxes.

I'm actually a bit confused why you need Form 8453 at all? I've been e-filing for years and have never had to mail anything afterward. Most tax software handles everything electronically now.

I had a similar situation last year! The 3 business day rule mentioned earlier is correct - you wait for IRS acceptance confirmation, then mail Form 8453 within 3 business days. One thing that might help with your timing concerns: you can actually prepare everything in advance. Get your Form 8453 ready to go (just don't sign it until after e-file acceptance), put all required attachments together, and have the envelope addressed and stamped. That way, as soon as you get the acceptance email, you can quickly sign the form and drop it in the mail. Since you're leaving April 20th, I'd suggest e-filing by April 15th at the latest to give yourself a buffer. Most e-file acceptances come through within 24-48 hours, so you should have time to mail the 8453 before your trip. Also double-check with your tax software exactly which documents you need to include - sometimes it flags Form 8453 when it's not actually required for your specific situation.

mine took 9 months last year but i got interest added atleast 🤷‍♀️

CP75 audits are definitely rough - had one last year and it took about 8 months total. The key is to respond quickly with all the documentation they request (W-2s, bank statements, childcare records if you claimed EIC with kids). Don't wait for them to send follow-up letters. Also keep copies of everything you send them because they "lose" stuff sometimes. The interest does help a little when you finally get your refund but obviously waiting that long sucks.