If you're not filing your federal income tax returns electronically, you are in the minority. The Internal Revenue Service has seen a big jump in the number of taxpayers using e-file over the last 10 years. In 2008, almost 58% of the 155 million tax returns filed were filed electronically, and it's time for you to get on the bandwagon.

There are plenty of benefits to electronic filing, and probably the most popular is the speed with which you can receive your tax refund. If you opt for direct deposit of your refund, you can usually expect your money in one to two weeks.

If you prefer a paper check, plan on a couple of extra weeks. In contrast, those who file paper returns never know when they'll receive their refunds. It could be several weeks or a couple of months, depending on how busy the IRS is.

The other big benefit to e-filing is accuracy. If you send in a paper tax return, someone at the IRS has to key your data into their computer system to check it against other records they have on file for you, such as W-2s and 1099s. If you file electronically, that manual process is eliminated, and you are virtually assured that the information on your taxes will end up in the IRS computers exactly as you sent it.

The IRS makes it easy for everyone to e-file. Almost every tax preparer around the country (except for a few old school types) offers e-file. And if you make $54,000 or less, you're able to e-file for free with programs in which the IRS participates

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.

We know the tax code is complex, and the zillions of available forms and schedules don't make things any less confusing. Doing a tax return by hand is almost impossible these days, unless you have a super simple tax situation.

Whether your tax return is easy or complicated, you'll probably have an easier time of it if you use tax software. There are great tax packages out there, including Turbo Tax and Tax Cut. They simplify the process of preparing a tax return because the software tells you what forms you need and offers them to you. No more searching the instructions or the IRS website for the forms you need. Tax software also helps cut down on errors by alerting you to important items that need to be included in your tax return.

If you're confident about your tax situation, you can certainly try using one tax software. However, filling out the software's questionnaire is no substitute for a tax preparer with in-depth knowledge of the tax laws. Use tax software with caution.

Read more Tips for Tax Procrastinators

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.

Turn on a television during tax time, and you will see plenty of commercials for tax preparation chains offering to help you get your money fast. What they often don't say is that they intend to get you that money by way of a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). Essentially, they prepare your tax return and see how much your refund is going to be. They will give you a loan against that refund so that you can walk out with your money today.

But here's the catch: There are fees associated with those loans, and they're not cheap. Taxpayers will pay, on average, about $100 to get one of these loans. That might not sound like much, but when you figure that they are paying this $100 just to get a ten day loan, it's astronomical.

Ten day loan? That's right... if a taxpayer files electronically and does direct deposit of their refund, it will usually take ten days or less to get their refund. These tax preparation chains are counting on you wanting your money right away, and that's why they push these loans. But you can get your money pretty fast for free. So why not save yourself the money and just do the regular electronic filing and direct deposit!

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.

Chain tax preparation services all boast about helping you to get your tax refund fast. Well here's a newsflash.... there's nothing special about what they're doing, and you can get a fast refund all by yourself!

The IRS offers direct deposit of your refund if you provide your checking or savings account information when filing your taxes. If you file paper forms, it will likely take three to six weeks to get your refund. If you file electronically, you can have your refund in two weeks or less. And there are plenty of online services like TurboTax to help you fill out your tax forms and file electronically.

Direct deposit through the IRS is free and it is safe. You don't risk having a check lost in the mail. So opt for direct deposit with the IRS and skip all the tax preparation services that brag about fast (but expensive) refunds.

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.