E-Filing Helps Make Paying Taxes Easier

HARTFORD — With the click of a mouse, Connecticut taxpayers can file their tax return and defer payment until April 17, 2001 (this year’s due date) – no check to write, no standing in line at the post office.

The Internal Revenue Service offers two electronic payment options for e-filers – automatic withdrawals and credit card. Under the automatic withdrawal option, taxpayers can designate a checking or savings account at the time the return is filed and defer the payment until the due date of the return. Taxpayers will need to provide their bank account number and the routing transit number of their financial institution to authorize the withdrawal. There is no fee for an automatic withdrawal arrangement.

Taxpayers may also charge federal income taxes to an American Express, MasterCard, or Discover Card account by contacting one of the two companies authorized by the IRS to process such payments. Both companies will take charges by phone or through a Web site. There is no IRS fee for credit card payments, but the processors do charge a convenience fee. PhoneCharge, Inc., may be reached at 888-ALLTAXX (888-255-8299), or at www.About1888ALLTAXX.com. Official Payments Corporation may be reached at 800-2PAY-TAX (8900-272-9829), or at www.officialpayment.com.

Taxpayers may also file early and wait until April to phone in a credit card charge. Taxpayers may use a credit card whether filing on paper or electronically. Unlike an automatic withdrawal payment, the card charge cannot be scheduled for a later date – it will be made when it is authorized.

“Electronically filed returns are fast, safe and accurate, and whether you owe money or are getting a refund, it’s definitely a good way to go,” said IRS spokeswoman Dianne Besunder. “Last year 23 percent of Connecticut’s individual taxpayers filed their returns electronically and it is anticipated that e-filed returns will increase by 28 percent this year.”

For additional information on e-filing and electronic payment options, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov and click on “Electronic Services.”