E-taxes: A long way to go

The Internal Revenue Service offers these services:

* Online filing: A taxpayer must get software to do so or visit a tax

preparer certified to file e-taxes. Both cost money.

* TeleFile: Filing a tax return by inputting data via a touch-tone telephone.

* Electronic deposits of tax returns: Faster and simpler than waiting

for regular mail.

* Toll-free help line: For questions relating to appeals. The system

will automatically route callers to the appropriate office. The number

is (877) 457-5055.