SOM - On-Line Help Available as Tax Deadline Approaches

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On-Line Help Available as Tax Deadline Approaches

Contact: Terry Stanton, (517) 335-2167 join our list serv

With the April 15 income tax filing deadline rapidly approaching, the Michigan Department of Treasury wants taxpayers to know help is available for anyone having trouble completing their MI 1040 form or for those seeking information on returns they have already filed. Treasury has compiled important income tax information onto a single Web page, located at www.michigan.gov/incometax. This new Web page offers information on what's new for Tax Year 2004 and e-file, links to free tax preparation assistance throughout the state, and help in locating tax forms. “The goal is to make tax season as stress-free as possible," said State Treasurer Jay B. Rising. “This new income tax site is more user friendly and will eliminate time-consuming searches for information. We want taxpayers to find what they are looking for.”

The new income tax Web page also offers a Self Service section that allows individuals to check the status of their refunds, payments, or correspondence. Self Service also allows taxpayers to ask account specific questions via e-mail, and easily find answers to frequently asked questions. To access Self Service, users must enter their last name, Social Security Number, Adjusted Gross Income or Household Income, and filing status.

Taxpayers who do not have Internet access can receive the same information offered on-line, by calling a toll-free number. Taxpayers calling (800) 827-4000 will also need to provide their name, Social Security Number, Adjusted Gross Income or Household Income, and filing status to access personal information.

Taxpayers can also access information about e-file on the new income tax site. Last year, more than half of all Michigan taxpayers filed their tax returns electronically. E-filing offers several benefits to the taxpayer, including the elimination of many common errors, acknowledgment that your return has been received by the department, and faster refunds. “E-filing has provided a great service to Michigan taxpayers,” said Rising. “It not only makes the process of filing easier, it is more cost-effective for the department. This, in turn, saves state tax dollars."

To date, Treasury has processed 1.627 million e-filed returns, up nearly 10 percent from a year ago. Overall, more than 2.166 million returns were processed through March 12, up more than 30 percent from the same time last year.