The deadline for state and federal income tax filings is two weeks away, falling on April 15. According to official figures, almost 1.3 million folks in Oregon have already sent in their state personal income tax returns, with the state bracing for roughly 2.2 million submissions for 2024. That means more than 900,000 Oregon taxpayers need to settle their accounts with the taxman before time's up.

If you're among the procrastinators, best heed the advice of the Oregon Department of Revenue: e-filing is your ticket to speed. The department has noted that online filing is quicker and more efficient for those on the hunt for their refund. E-filers who opt for direct deposit will likely see their refunds quicker than the old-schoolers clinging to paper checks. But remember, file once and only once; any attempt to double-dip with a paper filing after e-filing will only bog down your refund.

For those taxpayers on the hunt for ways to keep costs down, Oregon's Revenue Department hasn't left you in the lurch – they've got some free e-filing options up their sleeve. Oregon Free Fillable Forms offers a bare-bones but capable electronic filing experience for those with simpler tax situations. It's akin to doing your taxes by hand but with the perk of automatic calculations and the privilege of skipping the mail queue. Meanwhile, the IRS offers a similar service for those federal returns, ensuring your federal taxes can be filed without spending a dime.

Breaking new ground this tax season, Oregon taxpayers now have another trick up their sleeve: Direct File Oregon. It's accessible via Revenue Online and doesn't need taxpayers to have filed federally first. However, be warned, it stands alone – you'll still need to tackle your federal return separately. Details on the various free e-filing options can be found on the Revenue's website, along with resources for those seeking human help without a hefty price tag.