Reservations due Sept. 1 for free IRS e-file seminar

The Internal Revenue Service and the Missouri Department of Revenue will offer free electronic filing seminars during September and early October at locations throughout Missouri, according to the IRS.

The e-file seminar for this area is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 29 at Brentwood Library. Sept. 1 is the deadline to reserve a spot.

Electronic filing, or e-filing, lets taxpayers file their federal and state tax returns electronically. The seminars are designed for individuals and companies interested in offering the federal and state electronic filing programs to their clients, according to a press release from the IRS.

Nationally, more than 29 million taxpayers filed their federal tax returns electronically in 1999, a 19 percent increase from a year earlier. It is projected that the number of e-filed federal returns will exceed 30 million in 2000.

More than 480,000 federal tax returns and 372,000 Missouri state tax returns were e-filed by Missouri taxpayers last tax season. Nearly 30 percent of all Missouri state returns were e-filed, more than any other state in the Midwest. E-filed returns mean quicker tax refunds and more accurate tax returns, plus e-filed returns provide acknowledgement that the tax returns are accepted, the IRS stated.

The electronic filing seminars across the state will provide the latest information about the e-file program and a representative of the Missouri Department of Revenue will explain state electronic tax-filing issues.

Form 8633, Application to Participate in the IRS e-file Program, can be obtained and completed at the seminar. Information about computer software and other related topics will also be covered during the seminars.

Because seating is limited, individuals interested in attending a seminar should contact the IRS by Sept. 1 to register. Contact the IRS Electronic Tax Administration Office at 314-612-4530 or send a registration request via e-mail to etaksmo@hotmail.com.