Wednesday, Apr. 6, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | State now accepting tax payments by credit cardBeginning March 8, Georgia taxpayers will be able to pay the balance due on their 2004 state personal income tax return with a credit card. The Georgia Department of Revenue is partnering with Official Payments Corporation to allow payments with the following credit cards: Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. This new service provides a safe and secure option for Georgia taxpayers to pay their tax obligation and provides them with flexibility in handling their monthly cash flow, said Revenue Commission Bart L. Graham. Official Payments Corporation will collect a 2 1/2 percent convenience fee based on the size of the payment to cover the cost of processing the transaction. The Georgia Revenue Department does not receive any of the convenience fee. Credit cards are only accepted as payment for current year individual income tax due on Forms 500 and 500EZ. Credit cards can be used to make estimated tax payments for tax-year 2005. At this time, credit cards payments are not accepted for payments associated with extensions, installment payment agreements, amended returns, or assessment notices. Taxpayers can make credit card payments by logging onto www.gatax.org and using the link Pay 2004 Taxes With a Credit Card or by calling Official Payments toll-free number 1-800-272-9829. As of March 1, the Department of Revenue has processed 1.6 million individual income tax returns for tax year 2004. Approximately 73 percent of those returns were filed electronically. We strongly encourage all taxpayers to file electronically, stated Commissioner Graham. It is safe, secure, and you can expect to receive your refund within 21 days compared to seven or eight weeks for paper returns. The Department of Revenue has also entered into an alliance with six companies that are providing free online filing for qualified Georgia taxpayers. The companies have varying eligibility criteria. Taxpayers can determine if they are eligible for this service by logging onto www.gatax.org and using the link Free Electronic Filing Program to access the free-filing information. Commissioner Graham reminds taxpayers that DORs Web site contains information not only about these services but also information on a wide range of topics that can assist individuals in preparing and filing their 2004 personal income tax return. Assistance is also available from DORs regional offices, which are located throughout the state. Taxpayers residing within the metro Atlanta area can check the status of their refund by calling 404-656-6286. Those residing outside the metro area but within Georgia can call 800-338-2389. Taxpayers residing outside the state can call 877-602-8477. |
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