Department of Revenue urges early tax filing

Missouri taxpayers are submitting 2005 tax returns at a similar pace to last year, but more are filing electronically, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. And, according to a Feb. 3 news release, taxpayers are using the DOR's new phone system, Track your Return Automatically via a Call, or TRAC, and the department's online method of tracking returns.

3,219 taxpayers on TRAC

Since the launch of TRAC on Jan. 27, 3,219 taxpayers have accessed the status of a return or refund by calling (573) 526-TAXX. Since Jan. 12, 18,064 taxpayers have utilized the department's online method at www.dor.mo.gov.

A comparison of January 2005 to January 2006 shows that this year, more than 7,600 addtional taxpayers have used the online method to check their tax return status. Department Director Trish Vincent sees that as a positive.

“Some taxpayers can only get their questions answered by the department,” she said in the release. “When taxpayers who have already filed a return use TRAC and the online method to get the status of their return, it opens up phone lines for our customer service staff to speak with people who have tax questions or need help with their returns.”

Sidestep delays, errors

Taxpayers are encouraged to file early and use electronic filing methods. Filing electronically offers immediate proof of filing and increased accuracy. Processing delays can result when processing paper returns using conventional methods. Electronic filing sends the data directly to the processing system, sidestepping any potential keying errors. It also allows the taxpayer the option of receiving a refund via direct deposit. Direct deposit is available only when taxpayers file electronically.

During calendar year 2005, nearly half, or 49 percent, of Missouri personal income tax returns were filed electronically, a 4 percent increase from calendar year 2004.

More than 95 percent of all income tax forms can be filed electronically using tax preparation software or a tax practitioner approved by the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers also have the option of downloading fill-in forms from the department's Web site at www.dor.mo.gov and printing out a barcoded return that can be processed rapidly.

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