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 TRENTON
- With the mid-April tax deadline still weeks away, the New Jersey Division
of Taxation reports a brisk pace of tax filing through the close of
February, with nearly three-quarters of 2005 returns to date taking
the form of electronic filings.
Through
February 27, more than one million New Jersey taxpayers have already
filed their 2005 income tax returns. Nearly 75 percent of the returns
submitted were filed electronically through one of New Jersey's "FastFile"
options. The FastFile, user-friendly systems include NJ TeleFile, NJ
WebFile, and NJ E-File, which enable taxpayers to submit paperless returns
over the telephone, via the Internet, or through use of a computer-software
package. The total through February 27 - 837,833 -- exceeds last year's
pace to date for electronic filing by about 11 percent.
"It's
early in the season, but we continue to see an increase in the number
of electronically filed returns," said Bradley Abelow, Acting State
Treasurer. "New Jersey taxpayers have discovered that electronic
filing is 'the way to go' to ensure accurate and speedy processing of
their income tax returns."
"New
Jersey residents are finding that there is an NJ FastFile option that
works for them," Taxation Director Robert K. Thompson said. "And
those who use NJ FastFile have their refunds processed more quickly,
usually within two weeks. In addition, only taxpayers who file their
returns electronically can have their refunds directly deposited into
a bank account."
NJ
TeleFile allows taxpayers to file their returns free of charge by dialing
1-888-235-FILE (3453) from a Touch-tone telephone in New Jersey or its
surrounding states and following the automated voice prompts. Users
should be sure to complete a TeleFile worksheet prior to calling the
toll-free number.
NJ
WebFile offers free, Internet-based filing from the Division of Taxation's
secure Web site. Everything you need to prepare and file a New Jersey
income tax return can be found at www.njwebfile.com.
NJ
E-File enables those filing their federal returns electronically to
submit New Jersey returns at the same time. Taxpayers can file via computer
with approved tax-preparation software or by visiting an online tax-preparation
site. They can also seek the services of a tax professional. A list of approved software vendors can be found on the Web at www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/elfvendor.htm.
"Since
electronic filing was introduced for New Jersey income tax returns in
1995, the number of returns filed electronically has grown from a few
hundred to more than 1.7 million and we hope to see that number exceed
2 million this year," said Director Thompson. "As more and
more people pay bills and bank by phone or online, it's only natural
for them to seek out an electronic method for filing their income tax
returns as well. Once taxpayers discover how easy and convenient it
is to file electronically, they tell us they would never go back to
filing a paper return."
Taxpayers
who owe State income taxes for 2005 can make their payments online by
either electronic check (e-check) or credit card at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/online.htm.
Those who file early can pay when the return is submitted or wait until
the April 17, 2006, filing deadline.
New
Jersey income tax forms are available online or by fax in a format suitable
for processing for anyone who must complete a paper return. Visit our
Web site at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/taxprnt.shtml,
or call NJ TaxFax at 609-826-4500 for the appropriate form.
Most
NJ FastFile systems are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Amended returns, returns for prior years, and returns requiring certain
enclosures or schedules cannot be filed electronically. For more information,
visit www.njfastfile.com or call our customer service center at 609-292-6400. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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