What are the benefits of electronic filing?
Electronic filing offers many benefits to attorneys and clients. Attorneys can file and serve papers at any time from any place. A case can be initiated at any time on any day, even when the courts are closed. Service can be made electronically and could hardly be easier. Two or more attorneys working on a case can view the file simultaneously, and do so from any location. Storage of papers is simplified. Fees can be paid on-line with a credit card. In the case of tax certiorari matters, the system can accommodate bulk filing of petitions created on-line using attorney office data. The system provides e-mail notice of all filings, including all decisions, which will be available on-line. The docket is clear and easy to work with. The system is easy to learn and simple to use. There is no fee for use of the system, though regular court fees must of course be paid.
On January 1, 2001, the docket for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Maine was changed from a manual, paper docket to electronic. The court’s docket is the official record of any document filed with the court. Prior to the creation of the new electronic docket, the Clerk’s office maintained the docket and kept all original documents in a paper file. An electronic docket retains no original paper documents. All paper received by the Clerk’s office for filing are scanned into a “pdf” format. Attorney’s who have been trained by the Clerk’s office to file documents electronically never need to send paper to the court to “officially” file the documents with the court. First, with access to PACER, the court’s docket, and all the documents filed on the docket are instantly available. Documents electronically filed can be retrieved and printed at remote locations. Our office is able to retrieve any officially filed document on the Court’s docket after January 1, 2001 for as little as .
Electronic filing is a fast, convenient and secure way to do your taxes – and in some cases, it’s free. Electronic returns are processed overnight, even if you wait until the due date to file. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit of your refund, we will transfer the funds to your bank account within several days from the date your return is accepted and processed. If you have a balance due, you can pay by direct debit. If you file electronically by April 15, you have until April 30 to make the electronic payment. You don’t have to gather any forms, address envelopes or rush to the post office. In addition, you don’t have to worry about mistakes when you file electronically because errors are corrected immediately. For more information, see Electronic Filing Benefits.
• Increased convenience, electronically file from any location with access to the Internet at any time day or night • Extend your deadline – often the court will accept your filing until 11:59 p.m. on the day of required filing. • Know immediately that your filing was accepted by the court, receive an immediate notice of electronic filing (NEF) • Cost savings, often the costs of an electronic filing are less than using a courier or attorney service to deliver your filing.
