 "We encourage e-filing at the Department of Revenue because it makes
the process more efficient for both the taxpayers and the
department," said Brian Hamer, department director. "Taxpayers make
fewer errors and omissions with electronic edits, and they typically
receive their refund in a week. IDOR is also able to save taxpayer
money with e-filed returns by automating several steps in the
process."The Oct. 15 deadline for taxpayers who file for an
extension can often be overlooked by those who are used to the
frenzy around the April deadline (which was April 17 this year).
Illinois has allowed e-filing for the extended deadline since 2003,
and an increasing number of taxpayers have done so each year. Ninety
thousand taxpayers have filed electronically since the extension
period began on April 18 this year, which is an increase of 5
percent over the same period last year.
The department will pay accurately filed electronic refunds in
about a week, while it will take much longer to process the paper
tax returns filed at the last minute.
Other benefits to electronic filing include:
-
Increased security by
sending tax information directly to the Department of Revenue
computers.
-
A confirmation number
that you can use to prove you filed.
-
Fewer errors or
omissions with electronic edits.
-
Free filing at
www.tax.illinois.gov.
Taxpayers who are still waiting for information to be able to
file their returns, often in order to file the complex federal
return that must be completed before the Illinois return, can take
advantage of the extended deadline to file. They are required to pay
any tax due by the April deadline in order to avoid penalty.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Revenue news release received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
