FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Matt Golden
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April 7, 2004 |
(609)
984-7110
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Treasury
Provides Taxpayer Assistance
As April 15 Deadline Approaches |
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TRENTON — State Treasurer John E. McCormac today reminded taxpayers that the deadline for submitting a New Jersey income tax return is Thursday, April 15, 2004. He also encouraged filers to avail themselves of the State’s convenient and user-friendly FastFile programs—NJ TeleFile, NJ WebFile, and NJ ELF, and to not forget to take full advantage of the Property Tax Deduction/Credit on resident returns. Taxpayers seeking assistance with the completion of their returns can contact the Division of Taxation’s Customer Service Center by calling (609) 292-6400 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of Good Friday, April 9, when the offices will be closed. They can also visit one of the Division of Taxation’s regional offices. Representatives will be working extended hours on April 15 in order to assist New Jersey taxpayers. The Customer Service Center and the Division’s Trenton regional office, located at 50 Barrack Street, will extend their hours of operation until 8 p.m. on April 15, while the other regional offices will remain open until 6 p.m. on that date.
Division of Taxation staff members will be available at each regional office to answer questions, assist with return preparation, accept completed income tax forms, or provide blank forms. Directions to the regional offices are available on the Division’s Web site, www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ot1.htm. “The electronic-filing systems can be accessed from the convenience
of your own home and often reduce the time we need to deliver your
refund,” McCormac said. “This year we’ve made the
process even easier by eliminating the New Jersey Personal Identification
Numbers (PINs) that were previously needed. As a result, we’ve
seen a 20-percent increase in the number of electronic filings to date
this year.” Taxpayers who use one of the electronic filing methods
can choose to have their refund deposited directly into their checking
or savings account. Direct deposit is not available for those submitting
paper returns. For taxpayers who are not able to file a New Jersey income tax return by April 15, an extension can be requested. However, at least 80 percent of an individual’s actual New Jersey income tax liability must be paid by the April 15 deadline. “While we can give taxpayers additional time to file their income tax returns, payment extensions are not permitted under the law,” said Division of Taxation Director Robert K. Thompson. Penalties and interest are imposed whenever tax is paid after the due date. The easiest way to request an extension is to file the application online through the Division of Taxation’s Web site, www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/online.htm. Requests for four-month extensions may be filed online until midnight on April 15. Anyone needing to make a payment in conjunction with an online extension request must do so by using the Division of Taxation’s electronic check system or with a credit card. Taxpayers may also request an extension by submitting a traditional paper Form NJ 630, Application for Extension of Time to File New Jersey Gross Income Tax Return. The application must be postmarked on or before April 15. Those who apply for an automatic extension of time to file their federal return may receive an extension for their New Jersey return by including a copy of the federal application when they submit their New Jersey income tax return, provided they meet all other requirements. Taxpayers who file for a Federal extension but also need to make a payment of New Jersey tax by the April 15 due date must submit Form NJ 630 with that payment or file and pay online. State tax payments can be made online by either electronic check (e-check) at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/online.htm or by credit card at www.officialpayments.com. Credit card payments can also be made by calling 1 800 2PAYTAX, toll free. There is a convenience fee of 2.5 percent paid directly to the Official Payments Corporation based on the amount of your tax payment. Attached is a list of important contacts for New Jersey taxpayer information
and assistance.
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