FILE ONLINE THIS TAX SEASON

REVENUE'S ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS OFFER
CONVENIENCE AND PEACE OF MIND

NASHVILLE , Tenn. - Tax season is here, and the Tennessee Department of Revenue reminds taxpayers and practitioners to utilize the department's electronic filing options. Revenue's electronic applications are convenient, worry-free tax filing options that perform some or all calculations for filers. Electronic filing of the sales and use tax, consumer use tax, individual income tax, professional privilege tax, and franchise and excise tax minimum and estimated payment returns and extensions is available via the department's Web site, www.Tennessee.gov/revenue. The newest application launched allows bill payments to be made online. Many business tax registration activities also can be done online.

The individual income tax, commonly known as the Hall income tax, is due April 15. This tax is imposed on individuals and other entities receiving interest from bonds and notes and dividends from stock. The rate is six percent of taxable income. A few exemptions exist. The first $1,250 in taxable income received by a single filer is exempt. The first $2,500 in taxable income received by a joint filer is exempt. People over 65 with total income less than $16,200 for a single filer or $27,000 for a joint filer are exempt. More information is available on the department's Web site.

"One of the department's top priorities is to evolve into a truly 'digital department,'" said Tennessee Department of Revenue Commissioner Loren L. Chumley. "Electronic tax administration benefits our customers and improves governmental efficiency."

The Department of Revenue provides computer access to customers who don't have such technology, so they can file their taxes online at its offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Jackson, Johnson City, Memphis and Nashville. In addition to using the state's Web portal, taxpayers may file sales tax electronically using software available through one of several certified software providers. Visit Revenue's Web site, www.Tennessee.gov/revenue, to learn more about the wide array of electronic filing options.

Also available on Revenue's Web site is information about electronic filing options for motor fuel taxes and information about electronic funds transfer.

All taxpayer data, whether paper or electronic, filed with the Department of Revenue is confidential data protected under Tennessee law.

The Department of Revenue collects approximately 92 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, the department collected $9.1 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, $1.6 billion of local sales tax was collected by the department for local governments during the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Besides collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.Tennessee.gov/revenue.

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