JEFFERSON CITY- The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) offers the following tips for taxpayers as they prepare for the tax return filing season.
The first day the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin processing individual tax returns is January 31. For both federal and state tax returns, paper returns that are filed before January 31 will be delayed. After January 31, the sooner a tax return is filed, the sooner a refund will be issued. Waiting until the April 15 deadline will result in a delay in getting a refund.
Here are other tips taxpayers should keep in mind when preparing to file their taxes:
FILE ELECTRONICALLY. Electronic filing is a secure way to avoid errors. E-filing is a service provided by almost all tax preparers, or individual citizens can purchase tax preparation software. MAny citizens may qualify for free electronic filing through the Federal Free File Alliance (http://www.freefile.irs.gov). Nearly 80 percent of Missourians now file electronically.
USE ELECTRONIC FORMS. Even Missourians choosing not to E-file can still save time and reduce errors by using electronic forms, which can then be printed out and mailed. Missouri tax forms for Tax Year 2013 and other years are available on the DOR's website at http://dor.mo.gov/forms/. The forms, which can be completed in one or more sittings, include a 2-D barcode that helps speed up the processing of the forms after they are mailed to the DOR. Direct deposit of a refund is also an option for those choosing to use 2-D barcode forms. Saving drafts of confidential returns would not be recommended for people using public computers, such as in a library, where computer access is open to anyone.
ASK QUESTIONS ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE. The DOR answers many frequently asked questions about filing tax returns on their website at www.dor.mo.gov. Missourians can also call 573-751-3505 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or email the DOR at income@dor.mo.gov with questions about filing tax returns.
ASK QUESTIONS IN PERSON. The DOR also has tax assistance centers located in seven cities: 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. Contact information and office addresses are available at http://dor.mo.gov/contact/assistance.php.