Missouri taxpayers will notice some small changes when filing this year, but the Department of Revenue says the process is much the same as years past.
The Missouri Department of Revenue says it works with the Internal Revenue Service to streamline the tax filing process.
Department of Revenue Spokesman Ted Farnen says the federal deadline has been moved to April 18th because of Emancipation Day, so Missouri extended its deadline to that day as well.
However, the two agencies also work together to collect what’s owed to them. In other words, a refund from one could turn into a payment for the other.
Farnen says there is one small change for those who file 10-99s to report miscellaneous income. Instead of a letter, taxpayers who need to file 10-99 information will receive a postcard prompting them to go online or call in to receive their individualized information.
The Missouri Department of Revenue also has five general suggestions for filers to have their returns processed quicker and more accurately.
“Most people are just now compiling their tax records and receiving tax information from their employers and financial institutions,” said Alana M. Barragán-Scott, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. “The Department is eager to help all Missourians know about important changes and to help them get their returns processed efficiently and accurately.”
For more information about the Form 1099-G and answers to frequently asked questions, visit http://dor.mo.gov/faq/personal/1099g.php.
The Department director noted five basic tips for filing. For those who have access to a computer, she encourages them to file their tax returns electronically.
“More than 60 percent of Missourians now file electronically, and an even bigger percentage files their federal returns this way,” Barragán-Scott said. “Filing electronically rather than on paper reduces the time it takes to receive and process a return, it reduces the chance of errors being made on the return, refunds can be directly deposited into a taxpayer’s bank account, and electronic returns can be submitted any time of the day.”
Barragán-Scott also suggested four other tips to help make filing a return easier.
*File as early as possible. Tax returns filed earlier, including returns requesting a refund, are processed quicker since many people wait until the deadline to file.
*Double check returns to avoid common errors such as not signing the return and math errors.
*Make sure that all relevant forms – such as W-2’s, interest statements from banks, investment brokers and other financial institutions – have been received before completing a return.
*Remember that the federal tax return must be finished before the state tax return is completed.
Those with specific questions about individual income tax returns are urged to call (573) 751-3505 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or e-mail the Department at [email protected].
The Department also has tax assistance centers located in seven Missouri cities. The centers are in Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Springfield. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To follow the Department on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/MoRevenue.
Jessica Machetta reports [Listen, Mp3, 1:05 min.]
