Making sales tax returns can be cumbersome, especially if one has to deal with multiple states. E-filing is now emerging as one of the attractive alternatives for businesses in this context. Most U.S. states have adopted an e-filing facility for businesses to enable them to file sales tax returns. As other states are ahead with a more user-friendly platform and easier processing time, some still need improvements. This blog compares the top U.S. states for e-filing sales tax returns, features what makes them stand out, and explores the simple ways that outsourcing tax preparation can make the process easier and less complicated.

Why are Some States Better than Others for E-Filing Sales Tax Returns?

Not all states are created equal when it comes to the e-filing of sales tax returns. Ease of use, support, and reliability in a system go a very long way. States that make good platforms available for e-filing tend to be more likely to:

• Have an easy-to-use interface with step-by-step instructions.
• Offer several options for forms of payment of tax liabilities.
• Provide real-time support to get issues resolved promptly.
• Offer timely updates and reminders of deadlines.

Top U.S. States for E-Filing Sales Tax Returns

We will consider a few of the best states for the preparation of e-filing sales tax returns, and also a few outstanding features on their platforms.

California

California probably boasts one of the most complete outsourced tax preparation and e-filing sales tax returns. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) features a well-structured online portal. Some of the notable features include:

• Easy-to-use interface: Such features make it rather simple to navigate the platform irrespective of business size.
• Multiple payment options: Tolerates various forms of payment, including credit cards, bank transfers, and checks.
• Automated reminders: Reminds a user when the deadline is near

New York

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has one of the most comprehensive sets of outsourced tax preparation systems. These are some of the attractive features of the e-file system.

• Guidance walkthrough: An in-built assistant that helps the user.
• Tax credits and deduction: Evolves the eligible tax benefits automatically while filing.
• Customer care: The real-time availability of support guarantees issues to be resolved with proper time and diligence.

Florida

The Department of Revenue in Florida has enabled the filing of sales tax returns to be simple and easy. It is one of those loved by businesses, thanks to user-friendliness and time-saving features. Its top features are:

• Easy to navigate: Florida's e-file is way more user-friendly as well.
• Mobile friendly: You can fill in and manage your taxes from your mobile devices.
• Instant feedback: Refund and confirmation happen quickly. Texas has a great e-filing process that maintains compliance and facilitates sales tax returns. Some of the most relevant benefits from Texas for using this system are.
• Mass filing features: This will suit companies that operate in more than one place.
• Interfacing with bookkeeping applications: This interface makes it easy to transfer between accounting software.
• Customization of the dashboard: It highlights your tax works based on those you need to view most.

Illinois

E-filing in Illinois is available, accessible, and adapted to all business types. The State of Illinois Department of Revenue offers:

• Automatic entry of data: The chances of getting errors while filing are reduced.
• Access 24/7: You can file at any time without any restriction, giving you flexibility.
• Detailed tutorial: This will help the new users step-by-step.

How Does Tax Preparation Service Outsourcing Help with E-Filing?

• Tax preparation outsourcing: Outsourcing tax preparation can further smoothen the process of e-filing for businesses. Through tax preparation outsourcing, businesses save much time while minimizing errors to a considerable extent. This is how tax preparation outsourcing helps your business: 
• Professional Support: Tax professionals are better aware of state regulations and ensure compliance
• Time Sparing: Outsourcing tax preparation frees up your core business team for other work. Minimization of Errors: Its prospects are minimized when all the tedious mathematical equations are dealt with by the professional.
• Cost-Effective: Outsourcing would prove to be cheaper as compared to recruiting staff tax experts within the organization.

Benefits of E-Filing of Sales Tax Returns

• Accessibility: The business can file from anywhere and at any time.
• Fast: The processing of sales tax refunds takes a very short time during electronic submission
• Accuracy: Errors or omissions of details in the sale tax returns are automatically detected by the digital platforms.
• Record Keeping: E-filing systems store all records digitally, so audits or reviews become easy.

Why Outsource Tax Preparation for E-Filing?

Outsourcing the tax preparation process is one of the most efficient ways of reducing administrative burdens for many businesses. In short, here are some top reasons to outsource tax preparation services.

• Access to Tax Experts: You will be accessing professionals with experiences who are properly and respectively briefed on state-specific regulations.
• It Is Cost-Effective: Hiring an in-house team of tax experts can be a costly affair. Outsourced tax preparation is offered at almost the same quality with a lower price tag.
• Compliance Assurance: These professionals continuously update their knowledge of tax laws and ensure that your business remains compliant.
• Lower Risk of Errors: Professionals preparing tax returns are more familiar with the tax software, thereby a lower risk of errors and inaccurate filing.

States that Have Easily Nominated E-Filing Sites

• Real-Time Update: New York and California can easily make real-time updates of tax payments and the status of filing.
• Multiple Secure Payment Options: States like Florida and Texas can offer a variety of secure payment options; the process is smooth, simple, and secure.
• Help Desk Support: Illinois and California have an amazing support system to help you resolve problems that may arise while using the online filing system.

Conclusion

E-filing of sales tax returns is becoming the new norm for nearly all states in the United States, but a handful of these are more efficient and easier to deal with than others, such as California, New York, Florida, and Texas. Thus, companies can weigh the various options available from these places to know which sites and software would be apt for them to file. Additionally, tax preparation outsourcing offers some advantages, like reducing administrative work to ensure compliance with tax laws.

Others such as Fino Partners make it easy for businesses to avoid the hassle of navigating complex tax systems, thus making their tax filing simple and producing the best results using e-filing platforms coupled with tax preparation outsourcing.

"I need my taxes done easily and on time.".

Fino Partners offers customized tax preparation and financial management to help businesses streamline their processes from e-filing to compliance checks!