
E-filing is a method by which
forms are documents are filed electronically rather than on paper. E-filing is
now a staple, and sometimes exclusive, way that complaints, motions and other
documents are filed in the federal and state court systems. The federal court
system has standardized electronic filing by creating a unified system[1] by which all federal courts
accept e-filing. However, coordination by the individual court may also be
necessary.
Other government agencies,
such as the IRS, have also established e-filing systems. For example, tax
returns, including the Form 1040, can be e-filed through the IRS directly or
through an approved third-party software provider, such as TurboTax.