It seems like everyone is talking "green" these days. In addition to recycling programs and taking other steps to cut down on energy use at the office, another small thing you can do to help the environment is to suggest to your employees that they e-file their tax returns nest year. It's truly a green solution that will help reduce America's paper consumption.

e-file eliminates the need for printed materials. Instead, taxpayers refer to an online instruction book and complete an online return. Although taxpayers who e-file are encouraged to print out a copy of the completed forms for their files, they still save paper by 50% as well as the cost of postage. And e-file not only saves paper, but also the energy necessary to print and transport the printed materials around the country.

e-file benefits the environment, and it has advantages for the taxpayer, as well.

e-file is easy and secure. Anyone who knows how to use a computer can e-file. Although different tax preparation software programs are available, they are uniformly simple to use and guide taxpayers through the process in filling out forms. The software also catches errors, so mistakes can be fixed before the return goes to the IRS.

e-file can also be free. Last year, 70 percent of taxpayers were eligible to electronically prepare and file their returns at no cost through Free File, a partnership program between the IRS and companies that provide tax preparation software. To qualify for Free File, taxpayers must earn a maximum adjusted gross income that is determined each year by the government. Last year, that amount was $54,000, which will likely rise for the 2008 tax filing season. Free File is available only through www.IRS.gov.