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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government

Volume VII, Issue 1

January 2004

27,000+ Citizens filed Taxes via Internet Last Year!

Taxes! We may not like them but most are required to file them. Maine Revenue Services (MRS) has made the process very easy by offering three easy ways of filing. FastFile includes the E-File method of utilizing tax preparers or purchasing retail software, Telefile utilizes a touch tone telephone, and I-File is MRS’ free Internet application.

I-File was first launched in the summer of 2000, when MRS wanted to test their newest invention with a limited audience. That year, a small number of taxpayers located this unadvertised application and logged on to file their taxes. This sampling provided MRS Systems and Programming personnel the tools they needed to fine tune the application, so it would be suitable for 2001’s full filing season.

The concept of free Internet tax filing caught on quickly and MRS confirmed over 15,000 returns during 2001. Maine taxpayers liked this new convenience as evidenced by nearly a 50% growth in 2002. I-File was here to stay. In order to obtain in-depth feedback about the application, an optional survey, which included a free form comment section, was added in 2002. Maine taxpayers were very eager to share their opinions, and the majority were very pleased with I-File. MRS also received many comments recommending particular changes and enhancements. Modifications were made for the 2003 season and the same survey was released so a comparison between responses could be made. 1000+ surveys were completed and 88% of respondents rated I-File as good or excellent. Samplings of the comments include:

This was the easiest tax form I ever did.
This was great! Thank you Maine, just another reason why I love it here!!!
This is great! Saves the State money in mailing of forms and helps the tax payer to know that the filing is correct. Thank you!!
It made filing my taxes much easier. No need to photocopy my return and run to the mailbox. Thank you!

MRS concluded its FastFile income tax season on 10/15/2003. I-File numbers for this last tax season totaled over 27,000 returns! Due to the popularity of the application, MRS made a strategic business move to have I-File reengineered for the upcoming season. The ever increasing volume of filers dictated the need for a faster and more robust system. MRS also incorporated feedback from the optional survey responses to enhance the content, screen flow, and layout.

A few highlights from MRS’ I-File application include:

Refunds in 14 days or less!
Delayed electronic payment of tax due, otherwise known as “file now, pay later”. (You file the return when you’re ready but delay the withdrawal of funds from your financial institution up to and including the due date of 04/15/2004.)
Let us do the math. Just enter the specified amounts from your Federal tax return and withholding statements. I-File does the rest.
E-mail notification of your confirmed return.
PINs are not required. If you did not receive a PIN on your tax booklet or by separate mailing, you will simply need to mail a one page signature document.
Secure access with the ability to exit the application and return later to complete it, without losing your data.
Electronic returns cost about three times less to process than paper returns. This saves the State of Maine tax dollars.

MRS invites all Maine taxpayers to give I-File a try. We are confident you will be pleased with this fast and easy approach to tax filing. For more information, visit our website at www.maine.gov/revenue and look for the “FastFile” link.

Brian S Hodges is a Management Analyst II with the Systems & Programming division of Maine Revenue Services. He has worked in State government for over 12 years and has been with MRS since 1998. He can be reached at brian.s.hodges@maine.gov

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