Record Numbers Using IRS E-File System

by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New York

07 April 2004

As millions of US taxpayers prepare to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service released new statistics last week showing that electronic filing is reaching record levels.

According to the IRS figures, more than 45.8 million tax returns have been submitted through e-file so far this year, a 12% increase from last year.

“To avoid last-minute tax headaches, we urge people to use e-file,” commented IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson, adding that: “E-filing is the fastest, easiest way to do taxes. There are fewer errors, and taxpayers get their refunds in less than half the time of paper returns.”

Through March 26, e-filing continues to show strong growth in several areas.

Home computer filers submitted nearly 10.5 million returns, an increase of 22.9 percent from last year; tax professionals filed more than 32.2 million returns electronically, a 10.9 percent increase from last year; and the Free File program topped 2.6 million returns, a 24 percent increase from last year.

Nearly one-third of all taxpayers file returns in the final weeks before the April 15 tax deadline.

“It’s a good idea to go ahead and start now on your taxes,” Everson suggested. “Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you have the all correct information.”

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