This year, the IRS could see as many as 90 million returns— roughly six out of ten—e-filed by tax professionals. Nevertheless, many Americans remain skeptical about the process, so here are our answers to many of the most common questions about e-filing.

How does e-filing work?

It’s pretty simple. After filling out all your tax forms, using either a tax professional or tax preparation software, the documents are sent electronically to the IRS rather than being mailed. There is one notable caveat to e-filing, however: To do it, you must go through a third-party, authorized IRS e-file provider.

Do I still have to mail in my tax documents?

Typically no. All the data on your small business’s tax documents will be included on the e-filed return and the IRS should already have copies of much of this information anyway. However, if you use a tax preparer or accountant, you will have to provide them with copies of these forms. Also, it is a good idea to keep copies of these records as well for at least three years in case you are audited.

How do I sign my taxes?

The IRS permits truly paperless filing by letting you electronically sign your taxes using a five-digit Self-Select PIN. If you e-file using a tax professional, this PIN is all that’s required. But if you e-file using online tax preparation software, the IRS will require your date of birth and your business’s prior year’s adjusted gross income, in addition to your PIN, for authentication.

If I e-file, how can I be sure the IRS received my tax documents?

Once your e-filed tax return is sent to the IRS, it is automatically checked by the agency’s computers. Within 48 hours of transmittal, the IRS should send notice that the return has either been accepted or that it cannot be processed. This acknowledgement is your proof of filing and assurance that the IRS has your return information. According to the IRS, 89% of returns are accepted the first time they are sent. If it is not accepted, however, it will be sent back with a request to clarify or provide missing information.

How can I be sure my tax data isn’t hacked or compromised while e-filing?

Security issues probably rank as the number one reason that some Americans remain leery about e-filing. For its part, the IRS ensures that authorized transmitters e-file using only the most secure Internet connections. Even efiling through online tax prep software is considered safe now, albeit with one important caveat: You should never e-file your taxes while online in a public place, such as a library or coffee shop, or while using an unsecured Wi- Fi connection.

What advantages are there to e-filing?

Accuracy, for one. According to the IRS, e-filed returns have an error rate of less than 1%. This is because e-filed returns automatically upload your information into the agency’s computers, thus avoiding the potential problems that can result from an IRS clerk manually entering all of your tax data. The other unquestionable benefit involves time. If you’re owed a refund, e-filing can lower the turnaround time on getting your money to approximately three weeks from the acknowledgment date—even faster if you allow Direct Deposit into a savings or checking account. And if you owe the IRS, e-filing allows you to not only choose from among several payment options (check, credit card, debit card, installment plan), but, if you use credit or debit cards, lets you pick any date up until the deadline for the transaction to occur.

What are the downsides of e-filing?

Oftentimes, it’s the cost. Currently, neither individuals nor businesses can directly e-file with the IRS. Instead, they must use a third-party “authorized IRS transmitter.” As a result, many tax preparation companies and software products now charge extra—up to $20 for each e-filed return—for what amounts to pushing a button. Here’s a tip: If you plan on using tax preparation software, buy the online version as they’re usually around $25 cheaper than the CD-in-a-box version and often include an e-filing option for free. One other important point: Tax preparers cannot base their e-filing fee on any figure from your business’s tax return. If you encounter one that does, they may not be a reputable tax pro.

Can I e-file both my federal and state returns at the same time?

In many cases, yes. Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia let you efile both returns simultaneously. (The returns first go to the IRS, which then electronically forwards your state return.) And yes, in most states, both the refund and payment methods for efiled tax returns mirrors that of the IRS. To be certain, however, it’s best to check with your state’s tax administration office.