FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
April 3, 2003

E-file Breaks 2002 Record!

BISMARCK --- With two weeks to go before the tax filing deadline, North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner has already received as many electronically filed income tax returns as during all of the 2002 filing season, Commissioner Rick Clayburgh said today.

"North Dakota's taxpayers are discovering how easy it is to file their tax return electronically," said Clayburgh, "and they're pleased with how quickly they get their refund."

With two weeks to go before the tax filing deadline, the tax department logged its 79,825 e-filed income tax return, 893 more than received all of last year. In total, the department expects to receive over 300,000 returns, and hopes 100,000 of those will be filed electronically.

"What's happening with tax filing is that people want the convenience that the Internet offers and we're committed to making those services available wherever possible," said Commissioner Clayburgh.

"E-file is the fastest filing option," said Clayburgh. "And, tax preparers by far submit the largest share of electronic returns."

Tax preparers have transmitted 84 percent of the electronic returns so far and 16 percent are filed by individuals over the Internet. Individuals have transmitted their own returns using either an on-line tax preparation service, such as Complete Tax, PrepTax, Tax Slayer, Tax Brain, Tax Act, Tax Engine.com or Turbo Tax, or by purchasing Turbo Tax's off-the-shelf software.

Taxpayers can find out more about e-filing by asking their tax preparer, calling the Office of State Tax Commissioner at 1-800-638-2901 or 701-328-3450, or visiting the tax department's web site at www.nd.gov/tax for a list of on-line tax preparation companies that transmit North Dakota's tax form.