Date: 2008-02-14
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® Alerts Tax Filers That E-file Benefits Are Heightened for Most Who Qualify for a Stimulus Payment Check
Tax Filers Reap Benefits of Speed, Accuracy and Confirmation of Receipt
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than ever, e-filing is an important and beneficial step that taxpayers should take this tax season to ensure confirmation of receipt of return, among other benefits, according to Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R). The IRS e-file program provides assurance that your 2007 income tax return has been received and that your information is in queue to expedite the receipt of an expected income tax refund. These benefits are heightened this year, since those who qualify for a check as part of the Economic Stimulus Payment must file a 2007 income tax return. IRS e-file can help millions of taxpayers know that their return has been received and that it is in queue for the processing of their stimulus payment check by the IRS. But it is important to note that electronic filing (IRS e-file) is not available for qualifying individuals, including seniors, who have zero income, zero tax and zero payments on their income tax returns. A paper return will have to be filed for the IRS processing of their stimulus payment checks.
"We've always been big supporters of IRS e-file," said Mike Yerington, President & CEO, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. "Jackson Hewitt has always provided electronic filing (IRS e-file) for free to all of its paid tax preparation customers. It's always been a smart choice, and an even smarter one this year for those who can e-file as it will help stimulus payment check recipients get into the pipeline faster for review and distribution of an expected stimulus payment check."
Since launching IRS E-file as a pilot program in 1986, the IRS has actively promoted the program by pointing out its many benefits. E-filing has grown from 19.2 million returns (15.8 percent) in 1997 to 79.9 million returns (54.4 percent) in 2007.*
The benefits of electronically filing a tax return include:
- Speed: Not only does e-filing a tax return allow the tax information to be submitted faster to the IRS, but for those who are expecting an income tax refund, they can receive their refund in 8-15 days via direct deposit to their bank account, versus a 6-8 week wait if they file by paper return and receive their refund check in the mail.
- Accuracy: E-filing offers an additional way to ensure accuracy. Tax information errors and Social Security number mismatching have a greater chance of being identified, allowing them to be corrected sooner, and avoid a possible further delay in processing and receipt of a refund, if expected.
- Confirmation of Receipt: The IRS acknowledges all e-filed tax returns, typically within two business days, alleviating the stress of wondering if your return has been received.
* Internal Revenue Service (IR-2007-185, Nov. 7, 2007)
About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at http://www.jacksonhewitt.com
To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service office nearest to you, click here or call 1-800-234-1040.
Contact:
Melissa Connerton Jorge Lavina
CooperKatz & Company CooperKatz & Company
212-455-8001 212-455-8041
SOURCE: Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.