Illinois tax filing made easy  

[FEB. 21, 2004]  SPRINGFIELD -- More than 1 million taxpayers have already electronically filed their Illinois income tax returns, the earliest that Illinois has reached that milestone.

The department's free Internet filing program, I-File, has enjoyed the largest increase, up almost 60 percent over last year, to 75,959 returns.

"I-File is the easiest way to file your tax return," said Brian Hamer, Illinois Revenue Director. "You can leave the White Out in the drawer. Just log onto ILtax.com, fill in the blanks, and we do the math. You even get a confirmation number to prove you filed."

Besides I-File, Illinois offers three other electronic filing methods:

• e-File -- filing through a tax professional
• PC-File -- online filing with computer software

• TeleFile -- free joint filing of federal and state returns for taxpayers with simple returns

Taxpayers who file electronically are receiving refunds in less than a week when they choose the direct deposit option. This year, more than half of electronic filers have chosen this option.

Other benefits of electronic filing include a confirmation number as proof of filing, assurance that their return will not be lost and secure electronic transmissions.

Hamer urged taxpayers to try I-File or one of the other electronic filing options to see for themselves how easy filing Illinois tax returns can be: "Taxpayers who have tried I-File for the first time often tell us they did not realize tax filing could be so easy."

Electronic filing totals

• e-File: 773,903, up 5 percent
• PC-File: 124,118, up 22 percent
• I-File: 75,959, up 58 percent
• TeleFile: 65,973, up 3 percent

• Total: 1,039,953, up 9 percent

Electronic filers need the personal identification number from their tax booklet or postcard. To get a PIN or for more information about electronic filing, visit the Department of Revenue's site on the Web at www.ILtax.com.

[Illinois Department of Revenue news release]