The Internet has changed the way Americans do everything. We shop online, study online, make travel arrangements online and now we even file our tax returns online.

In fact, of the 2003 taxpayers with personal computers at home, more than 14 million of them prepared their own tax returns and filed them online. That represented an 11 percent increase over the previous filing season. Experts expect that figure to rise just as sharply this filing season.

Further, according to IHR Research Group, 73 percent of Americans aged 18 to 30 who have broadband Internet connections filed their income taxes online last year, and 57 percent of them filed in January.

Tax Centers of America Inc. is ready to meet the increasing demand for e-filing. According to the company, filing online provides four major benefits:

* Convenience: With e-filing, you can file both your federal and state returns at the same time.

* Accuracy: Returns filed online have turned out to be far more accurate than paper-filed returns. The error rate is less than 1 percent for e-files compared

to a 12 percent error rate on paper returns.

* Acknowledgment: You'll no longer have to wonder if your return made it to the Internal Revenue Service on time. Once your return is approved, the IRS sends an acknowledgment within 24 hours.

* Quick returns: If it is directly deposited into your bank account, you can receive your federal refund in about a week. If necessary, refund loans can be obtained just 24 hours after the return has been approved by the IRS.

Keep in mind that completing your tax return online may be more economical than using tax-return software applications. Many applications cost $30 or more and must be upgraded each year. In addition, separate modules may have to be purchased to accommodate state filing. Many software packages also are complicated and difficult to use.

Tax Centers of America Inc. provides online tax preparation services at a competitive price. The company assures that its online service is simple, effective and accurate. Also, online consultants are available on live chat to answer any questions a taxpayer may have.