Friday, January 23, 2004
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Friday, January 23, 2004 |
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State encourages electronic filing As Georgia taxpayers begin preparation for filing their 2003 income tax returns, the Georgia Department of Revenue is again encouraging everyone to file electronically. Last year, approximately 1.7 million Georgia taxpayers filed their returns electronically. This was an increase of 200,000 over the previous year. “Electronic filing is more accurate and you get your refund within 21 days,” said Bobby Goolsby, Director of DOR's Income Tax Division. “Depending on when a paper return is filed, a refund can take up to eight weeks for those who file prior to April 1 and up to 12 weeks for those who file on or after April 1.” 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. “The booklets cannot be requested and individuals cannot file by telephone without the IRS TeleFile booklet,” said Goolslby. Some changes this year include: • The allowance for each dependent increases $300 to $3,000. This increase does not apply to the taxpayer or spouse. • The retirement exclusion for taxpayers over 62 years of age or permanently disabled increases to $15,000. • Military income received by members of the National Guard or a military reserve component while stationed in a combat zone is not subject to Georgia income tax. Taxpayers who receive an extension to file their federal income tax return automatically get an extension to file their Georgia return. However, the extension does not apply to payment of the taxes. “Any tax owed is still due by the filing deadline,” Goolsby stated. “If a taxpayer does not pay by the filing deadline, they will be subject to a late payment penalty.” Individuals needing assistance with either their electronic or paper return can contact one of the Department’s 11 regional offices, visit www.gatax.org, or call 404-417-4477 within the metro Atlanta area. Outside the metro area, call 877-602-8477. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to inctax@gatax.org.
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