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E

earned income

Includes wages, salaries, tips, includible in gross income, and net earnings from self-employment earnings.

Earned Income Credit

A tax credit for certain people who work, meet certain requirements, and have earned income under a specified limit.

electronic filing (e-file)

The transmission of tax information directly to the IRS using telephones or computers. Electronic filing options include (1) Online self-prepared using a personal computer and tax preparation software, or (2) using a tax professional. Electronic filing may take place at the taxpayer’s home, a volunteer site, the library, a financial institution, the workplace, malls and stores, or a tax professional’s place of business.

electronic preparation

Electronic preparation means that tax preparation software and computers are used to complete tax returns. Electronic tax preparation helps to reduce errors.

Electronic Return Originator (ERO)

The Authorized IRS e-file Provider that originates the electronic submission of an income tax return to the IRS. EROs may originate the electronic submission of income tax returns they either prepared or collected from taxpayers. Some EROs charge a fee for submitting returns electronically.

employee

Works for an employer. Employers can control when, where, and how the employee performs the work.

excise tax

A tax on the sale or use of specific products or transactions.

exempt (from withholding)

Free from withholding of federal income tax. A person must meet certain income, tax liability, and dependency criteria. This does not exempt a person from other kinds of tax withholding, such as the Social Security tax.

exemptions

Amount that taxpayers can claim for themselves, their spouses, and eligible dependents. There are two types of exemptions-personal and dependency. Each exemption reduces the income subject to tax. While each is worth the same amount, different rules apply to each.