The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, January 15, 2003

State recommends electronic filing

As 2002 tax-preparation booklets begin showing up in taxpayers' mailboxes, the Georgia Department of Revenue encourages everyone to file their return electronically.

"Electronic filing is more accurate and it speeds up getting a refund," said Bobby Goolsby, Director of DOR's Income Tax Division.

Last year approximately 1.5 million of the 3.6 million returns processed by the Georgia Revenue Department were filed using an electronic method. Nationally, approximately 36 percent of all federal individual income tax returns were filed electronically.

Georgia taxpayers can use any of the following methods to file electronically: have their taxes prepared by a professional who is a registered electronic returns originator with the Internal Revenue Service; via telephone; or online using a personal computer.

Individuals who are potentially eligible to file by telephone will automatically receive TeleFile booklets from the IRS and the state of Georgia. Goolsby explained that "the booklets cannot be requested and individuals cannot file by telephone without the IRS TeleFile booklet."

This year, Georgia taxpayers can electronically file their original state return separate from their federal return. However, the federal return must be filed before the state return is filed. Previously, electronic filing required the federal and state returns to be filed simultaneously.

Also new this year is free Internet filing for qualifying taxpayers. Additional information and access to the tax preparation software is available on line at either www.irs.gov or www.firstgov.gov. "Electronic filing offers an accurate, secure and fast alternative to paper filing," Goolsby concluded.

Individuals needing assistance with either their electronic or paper return can contact one of the Department's 11 regional offices, visit the DOR Web site at www.gatax.org, or call 404-417-4477 within the metro Atlanta area. Outside the metro area, call 877-602-8477.

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