For Immediate Release
Date: March 25, 2008
Contact: David Griffith
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Tax Deadline Approaching

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Revenue (Department) is sending out a reminder to all Missouri taxpayers that the April 15th deadline is just three weeks away.  To date, the Department has processed over 1.5 million returns and expects another one million returns before the end of this tax cycle.

“Many Missourians wait to file their returns in these last few weeks because they owe money to the state.  It is not uncommon for the Department to see a surge in filings during this time,” said Director of Revenue Omar Davis. “However, even though the Department will receive more returns in these last few weeks, we will still process every taxpayer refund as quickly as possible. Governor Blunt has directed the Department to refund taxpayer refunds without delay and we continue to meet that challenge by providing Missouri taxpayers the kind of service they deserve.”

Taxpayers may check the status of their return online at www.dor.mo.gov. To use the online system, just click “Where’s My Tax Return?” on the right side of the page. The Department’s Interactive Voice Response system also gives taxpayers the option of using the phone by calling (866) 433-7259 toll-free or by making a toll call to (573) 526-TAXX (8299).

Taxpayers who wish to file electronically have a variety of software packages or tax practitioners approved by the IRS (called Electronic Return Originators or EROs) are available at retail stores throughout the state. Those who wish to obtain some of the benefit of electronic filing without purchasing software can do so by using fill-in forms available on the Department’s website at www.dor.mo.gov.  Fill-in forms are printed by the taxpayer but include a 2D barcode that speeds up processing and reduces the chance of processing errors.

Under Governor Blunt’s leadership, in 2005 the Department expanded its service to Missouri taxpayers by extending state office hours, opening each working day at 7:30 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m., to make state government more responsive to its citizens.  Customer service representatives are available during those hours to assist customers.  The Department also has seven tax assistance centers across the state that can answer questions and assist customers in completing their Missouri tax return.  The Department’s web site has many of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and is available 24 hours a day.  The Department continues to look for ways to better serve its customers and be good stewards over the taxpayer dollars.

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