Among the things Americans dread the most, filing their own income-tax returns probably ranks near the top.

But as a result of modern technology and greater Internet access, the task has become less cumbersome. Certainly it helps that 99 percent of all the forms are now available electronically, which means taxpayers don't have to trek to the local library or post office to pick up the latest tax schedule.

A greater number of Americans are taking full advantage of technology and e-filing their tax returns through companies such as Tax Centers of America. They are finding that it is easier, faster and more affordable. Of the more than 130 million tax returns filed in 2003, almost 53 million were e-filed, with nearly 12 million completed online.

E-filing is the most efficient option not only for taxpayers, but for the Internal Revenue Service as well. The IRS says it rejects 20 percent of paper returns because of errors, but less than 1 percent of those filed electronically. Additionally, it says the audit potential for e-filed returns is about the same as for paper returns. In part because of this increased efficiency, Congress has mandated that the IRS facilitate the electronic filing of at least 80 percent of all tax returns by 2007.

Some Americans buy software programs to assist them in preparing returns. According to a survey conducted by NPD Group during the 2002 tax filing season, Americans spent $204 million on retail tax preparation software, up from $180 million the year before. But these software applications must be upgraded year after year in order to accommodate changes in tax laws, forms and schedules. Also, it might cost extra to e-file state tax returns.

Using the online services like those offered through Tax Centers of America eliminates these added expenses.

"We want taxpayers to be able to visit our Web sites, file their tax returns, get their refunds quickly - and be able to do all of that at an affordable price," said Tonia Ouzts, president of Tax Centers of America. "If they have a question or a problem while completing their returns online, there is a convenient chat option that puts them in touch immediately with ... our experienced tax consultants."

Ouzts said Tax Centers of America also protects taxpayers' personal and financial information under the strictest terms of privacy.

Another benefit to filing online is the ability to get federal and state refunds as quickly as possible, sometimes even the same day.

"If the return is accepted early in the day, we can very likely have their refund loan available to them in 24 to 48 hours by a direct deposit into their bank account," Ouzts said.