Pennsylvania residents who file personal income tax returns were able to begin filing electronically for the 2012 tax year this week, despite the delay until Jan 30 for federal 1040 returns. Taxpayers using the combined Federal/State e-file service will need to wait until the end of the month.
Nearly 76 percent of Pennsylvania’s 6.2 million personal income tax returns were filed electronically in 2012, according to the state’s Department of Revenue. In addition to being more convenient for taxpayers, “e-filing” generates processing cost savings for the state.
The state’s free electronic filing options include PAdirectfile and TeleFile (1-888-4PAFILE), and are currently available through the department’s web site at www.revenue.state.pa.us. These services are generally focused on individuals with simple taxation scenarios.
Taxpayers who filed a return last year may file by phone with TeleFile by simply providing a Social Security number and five-digit ZIP Code. To file using padirectfile, each taxpayer will need to provide a Social Security number and one of the following: 2011 or 2010 tax liability; PA driver’s license or identification number; or a registered e-signature account with the department.
The department reminds all taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in 2012 that they are obligated to file Pennsylvania personal income tax returns by April 15. Taxpayers with annual incomes of $35,000 or less may also visit a Revenue district office, listed in the blue pages of local phone directories, for basic personal state tax filing help. Help at district offices is available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Tax forms are available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us and after January 21, by calling, toll-free, 1-800-362-2050. Tax help is available by calling 717-787-8201, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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Tags: Income Tax, Taxes
