CHARLESTON — Did you know 60 percent of West Virginia Personal Income Tax returns are e-filed? According to the West Virginia Department of Revenue State Tax Department, e-filing is the most accurate way to file with error rates considerably less than paper, which translates into faster processing and a faster refund.

West Virginia personal income tax returns can be filed electronically with the West Virginia State Tax Department. For some taxpayers, e-filing is free. Taxpayers who e-file receive fast, accurate and secure service. By filing electronically, taxpayers receive their refunds faster than those taxpayers who are due a refund and file paper returns.

Refunds can be directly deposited into bank accounts in as little as 10 working days for correct e-filed returns, while correct paper filed returns can take six to eight weeks before a taxpayer receives a refund check. In addition, e-filing can improve accuracy for those taxpayers with balances due to the state of West Virginia. While no payment is due until April 15, e-filing allows taxpayers to pay their debt by check, direct debit or credit card. By choosing the free direct debit for balance returns, taxpayers can select any withdrawal date up to the due date — this means that the taxpayer chooses exactly when the balance due is paid to the state as long as the date is no later than April 15.

To avoid processing delays, e-filers who claim Tax Credit Schedules, such as Schedule E, Non Family Adoption, Neighborhood Investment Program Credit, etc., should e-mail the completed Schedules as a pdf attachment immediately following the return transmission to wvefile@tax.state.wv.us. As an alternative, e-filers may fax the completed Schedules to the e-file office at 304-558-1150.

In order to avoid discrepancies, taxpayers that e-file should verify the amount of estimated payments or carry forward credits claimed on their returns prior to transmission of the return. Taxpayers may do so by calling the Taxpayer Services Division at 304-558-3333 or 1-800-982-8287.

West Virginia has continued an agreement with Free File Alliance member companies — this alliance enables qualified West Virginia taxpayers’ free online filing services. Each Free File Alliance member sets taxpayer eligibility requirements for its program. To learn if you qualify for free e-filng, visit the Free Income Tax e-file section on the West Virginia State Tax Department Web site, www.wvtax.gov.