State News
Online Electronic Filing Good Option for Do-it-yourself Taxpayers
The Iowa Department of Revenue is trying to reach as many taxpayers as possible about electronic filing of individual income tax returns. More than ever this year, electronic filing is important for fast refunds. The Department has fewer staff and no temporaries to help process paper returns because of budget constraints.
Online Free File options are an excellent option for taxpayers who do their own taxes. One option provides free preparation and e-filing of federal and Iowa returns to anyone who is 20 years old or younger. Another offers free filing of both returns if the household income is $31,000 or less. Taxpayers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit can file both returns online free. Two companies allow free filing for active-duty military with income of $57,000 or less. Additional Free File qualifications can be found on the Department’s Web site at www.iowa.gov/tax/ on January 15. Both the federal and Iowa returns must be e-filed at the same time to Free File.
Taxpayers who do not qualify to Free File will find links to companies that charge a fee. Fees start at $9.95 for both returns.
Five Tax Time Tips from the Iowa Department of Revenue
* Round-up Records: Gather your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks, and other documents that show income or support a deduction you will take on your tax return.
* eFile Your Iowa and Federal Return: Iowa has reduced staffing and no temporary employees due to budget constraints. The fastest way to get your refund from both Iowa and the IRS is to file electronically. Choose direct deposit for an even faster refund.
* Check Out Free File: Go to Iowa’s Web site at www.iowa.gov/tax to see if you qualify to electronically file your Iowa and federal return free. If you do not qualify, take a look at the File for a Fee category to see how inexpensive it is to e-file.
* eFile through Your Tax Professional: Many tax preparers offer electronic filing at no extra charge.
* Review: We all make mistakes when we are in a hurry. Mistakes will slow down processing your return. Double-check your Social Security Number(s), county and school district information, and math calculations.
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IWD Announces a Deadline Extension for Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Director Elisabeth Buck announced today that Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will begin immediate work to reactivate approximately 16,000 Iowans who may now be eligible for additional weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits now that Congress has passed a deadline extension.
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Agan, Bull and VanEngelenhoven victorious
Craig Agan, Ed Bull and Jim VanEngelenhoven win Republican nominations in local contested races.
- Iowa receives Excellence in Education Award Iowa has been named the winner of a national excellence in education award. Iowa is the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Joseph H. Oakey Excellence in Education Award from Project Lead the Way, (PLTW) Inc., a not-for-profit STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education program now in more than 3.200 secondary schools nationwide.
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IMPA announced "Motion Picture Stories"
The Iowa Motion Picture Association (IMPA) continues to advocate
for Iowa film workers while the Iowa Film, Television and Video Production Promotion
faces scrutiny in the current legislative session. As part of its efforts to educate
the public and lawmakers about the benefits of filmmaking in Iowa, the IMPA is
producing “Iowa Film Stories,” an Internet video series.
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Iowa Counties named disaster areas
Governor Chet Culver today received confirmation that President Obama has authorized a Presidential Disaster Declaration for 21 Iowa counties impacted by a severe winter storm beginning Dec. 23, 2009. Governor Culver had requested the disaster declaration last month.
- ACLU files suit in Atlantic strip search case
- Culver to participate in Black History Month celebration
- Culver to receive National Service Award
- Renewable energy can bring jobs to Iowa
- Funding coming from Ames
- More State News Headlines
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IWD Announces a Deadline Extension for Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits
