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Press Releases: Government to Citizen
April 1, 2004
E-File Continues Strong Year as Tax Deadline Nears
Washington D.C. - As millions of taxpayers prepare to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service released new statistics today showing that electronic filing remains at record levels. More than 45.8 million tax returns have been submitted through e-file so far this year, a 12 percent increase from last year.
”To avoid last-minute tax headaches, we urge people to use e-file,“ said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. ”E-filing is the fastest, easiest way to do taxes. There are fewer errors, and taxpayers get their refunds in less than half the time of paper returns.“
Through March 26, e-filing continues to show strong growth in several areas:
- Home computer filers submitted nearly 10.5 million returns, an increase of 22.9 percent from last year.
- Tax professionals filed more than 32.2 million returns electronically, a 10.9 percent increase from last year.
- The Free File program topped 2.6 million returns, a 24 percent increase from last year.
The continued growth in e-filing as the IRS enters the busiest part of the filing season. Nearly one-third of all taxpayers file returns in the final weeks before the April 15 tax deadline.
”It’s a good idea to go ahead and start now on your taxes,“ Everson said. ”Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you have the all correct information.“
The IRS has a variety of information available for taxpayers on its web site, IRS.gov. Visit the 1040 Central section to get copies of forms, answers to frequently asked questions and other valuable information as the tax deadline approaches.
”At 1040 Central, taxpayers will find virtually everything they need for their 2003 tax return,“ Everson said. ”The 1040 Central page can be a one stop location for help.“
| 2003 | 2004 | %Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Income Tax Returns | |||
| Total Receipts | 73,057,000 | 74,453,000 | 1.9 |
| Total Processed | 67,159,000 | 69,479,000 | 3.5 |
| E-filing Receipts | |||
| Total | 40,898,000 | 45,800,000 | 12.0 |
| TeleFile (phone) | 3,296,000 | 3,081,000 | -6.5 |
| Computer | 37,602,000 | 42,719,000 | 13.6 |
| Tax Professionals | 29,062,000 | 32,225,000 | 10.9 |
| Self-prepared | 8,540,000 | 10,494,000 | 22.9 |
| Tax Year 2003 Refunds Certified | |||
| Number | 60,432,000 | 62,801,000 | 3.9 |
| Amount of principal | $121.440 billion | $132.682 billion | 9.3 |
| Average refund | $2,010 | $2,113 | 5.1 |
| Direct Deposit Refunds | |||
| Number | 34,395,000 | 37,950,000 | 10.3 |
| Amount | $82.200 billion | $93.728 billion | 14.0 |
| Average | $2,390 | $2,470 | 3.3 |
