• it really depends on the landlord. Most companies have e-check systems set up, but if your landlord is just a person who owns a house, they may only take checks.

• You can do basically everything online/on your phone. I have not been in a physical bank building in well over a year.

• For normal employees, taxes are withheld from each paycheck. This is an estimate, not exact - the government doesn't know the details of every tax deduction you might qualify for. When you file a tax return, you're telling the government exactly how much you should have paid in taxes, based on the deductions you qualify for. Most people get a tax refund, meaning more money was withheld than they actually owed, and the government gives them that money back within a couple weeks of filing the tax return. Some people owe money, and this money must be paid to the government.

If you're self employed, an independent contractor, or make significant investment income, you may need to make quarterly estimated income tax payments. The same general concept of filing a return to ensure everything is balanced applies to that, too.