FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
April 12, 2004	Jill Weigel, Supervisor, Individual Income Tax Section, 701-328-3277

Tax Department Extends Hours on April 15

BISMARCK --- With only a few days to go before the April 15 income tax filing deadline, Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced that the North Dakota Tax Department will be open on Thursday, April 15, until 9:00 p.m. CDT to help North Dakotans prepare their state tax returns.

"We offer this last minute help and extend our hours during this busy time because we want to make things as convenient as possible for people who may have delayed filing their taxes," said Clayburgh.

The Tax Department's 16th floor office of the Capitol will be open after 5:00 p.m. on April 15 to help tax filers in person. Taxpayers will need to use the north door of the Capitol after 5:00 p.m. Tax filers will need to have a copy of their federal tax return, W-2s, and 1099s with them. Taxpayers may call 1-800-638-2901 statewide or 328-3450 in the Bismarck-Mandan area for confidential help with their state tax return.

The Tax Department has been encouraging taxpayers to e-file because of the accuracy of e file calculations and the quick turn around for refunds. Clayburgh said, "Taxpayers who e-file and use Direct Deposit generally receive their state refund in as little as five days. And, taxpayers who owe the state taxes may e-file and pay by credit card through the Internet at https://www.ndtaxpayment.com."

Taxpayers do not need to apply for a separate state filing extension if they have a federal extension. Taxpayers need to file the extensions before April 15.

"If a taxpayer needs an extension to file," Clayburgh said, "the federal extension will also apply to the state return and they just need to attach a copy of IRS Form 4868 to their state return."

Clayburgh also encourages taxpayers to double-check their name, mailing address and social security numbers whether filing electronically or on paper. "Incorrect addresses have delayed the processing of more than 5,000 returns and refunds. Taxpayers should be using their current mailing address, whether it is a post office box number or street address."

Taxpayers can get assistance from the Office of State Tax Commissioner during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, by telephone or in person. Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the Tax Department's website at www.nd.gov/tax for more tax information or to access and print North Dakota's tax forms.