News Release
August 06, 1999 - Columbus, Ohio
- Technology-friendly Ohioans among
leaders in the number of electronic tax returns filed -
Electronic filing eligibility expanded for next tax
season
More than one million Ohioans filed individual income tax
returns electronically last season, putting Ohio second only
to California among all 50 states. This number includes both
telephone filing and E-File, a new program allowing Ohioans
to submit their returns from a personal computer.
"Technology is the key to Ohio’s future economic growth,"
Governor Bob Taft said. "I am pleased to see so many Ohioans
taking advantage of these new technology initiatives."
This was the first year E-File was offered. Taxpayers were
able to use their personal computers and tax preparation
software to file their 1998 tax returns electronically from
home, or have their taxes filed by an authorized electronic
filing provider. Approximately 13 percent of the five million
Ohio tax returns were filed using the E-File method.
More than 365 thousand returns were filed with TeleFile, an
increase of about 133,000 over its debut during Tax Year
1997. TeleFile generally allows single taxpayers with no
dependents and less than $50,000 in income to file their
income tax returns over the telephone.
"Electronic filing is attractive because it provides
taxpayers with faster refunds and simpler forms," said Tax
Commissioner Thomas Zaino. "Ninety-four percent of the
electronic returns were issued refunds that were received
within 14 days of filing."
For the upcoming filing season, the Department will expand
TeleFile eligibility to include married couples who file
jointly or separately. The maximum federal adjusted gross
income level for TeleFile will be raised to $100,000 and
direct deposit of refunds will be offered for all TeleFile
and E-file customers. The direct deposit program is a joint
project of the Department of Taxation and the Auditor of
State.
Also new this season -- social security numbers that
previously appeared on the outside of income tax booklets
will now be replaced with an alternative code number to
protect taxpayer’s privacy.
For more information contact:
Gary Gudmundson, Communications Director
Ohio Department of Taxation
(614) 644-6903