For Immediate Release
Date: January 31, 2007
Contact: Maura Browning
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Tax Deadline Extended to April 17

        JEFFERSON CITY – Following the lead of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Missouri Department of Revenue announced today that taxpayers will have an extra day to file and pay 2006 individual income tax, corporate income/franchise tax and financial institution taxes.

        The IRS further extended the due date because April 15 falls on a Sunday in 2007, and because Monday, April 16, is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. Under a federal statute enacted decades ago, holidays observed in the District of Columbia have impact nationwide on tax issues, not just within the District.

        The April 17, 2007, deadline will apply to any of the following:

• 2006 federal and state individual income tax returns, whether filed electronically or on paper.
• 2006 Missouri corporate income/franchise tax returns.
• 2006 Financial institutions tax returns including Bank Franchise Tax, Savings and Loan Tax, Fiduciary Tax, Credit Union Tax, Farmers Coop Intangible Property Tax, and Credit Institution Tax.
• Tax year 2006 balance due payments, whether made electronically or by check.
• Individual and corporate estimated tax payments for the first quarter of 2007, whether made electronically or by check.
• Requests for an automatic six-month tax-filing extension, whether submitted electronically or on Forms 4868 or 7004 (federal) or Forms MO-60 or MO-7004 (state).
• Tax refund claims where the statute of limitations expires on April 16.

        Missouri law provides that, filing and payment deadlines that fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal state holidays are timely satisfied if satisfied on the next business day. However, Missouri law does not make accommodations for the legal holidays of other states or the District of Columbia.

        Missouri law normally requires the income tax return to be filed and paid on the fifteenth day of the fourth month following the close of the taxpayer’s taxable year (Section 143.511, RSMo). Usually, that date is April 15.

        Because Missouri’s tax returns are so heavily dependent upon federal returns, the Director of Revenue has determined that a corresponding extension of time to file 2006 Missouri income tax returns and payments is necessary.

        Taxpayers are encouraged to file early and use electronic filing methods. For taxpayers, filing electronically offers immediate proof of filing and increased accuracy. Processing delays can result when processing paper returns using conventional methods. Electronic filing sends the data directly to the processing system, sidestepping any potential keying errors. It also allows the taxpayer the option of receiving a refund via direct deposit. Direct deposit is available only when taxpayers file electronically.

        The department’s Interactive Voice Response system, unveiled last year, gives taxpayers the option of using the telephone to obtain information on the status of their tax return. New this year is a toll-free option available by calling (866) 433-7259. Taxpayers can also access the tracking system by calling the toll number, (573) 526-TAXX (8299). The department continues to offer the Online Personal Tax Return Inquiry system, available on the internet at www.dor.mo.gov. To use the online system, just click “Where’s My Tax Return?” on the right side of the page.

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