FRANKFORT, Ky.— Over the last five years the Kentucky Department of Revenue has seen a steady increase in the number of taxpayers who file electronic tax returns. In addition to the increased accuracy and reduced processing time for the department and faster refunds for the taxpayer, the environment also benefits from these paperless transactions.

In 2001, 499,000 returns were filed electronically compared to 772,272 in 2005. As a result of this increase in electronic filing, the Department of Revenue has reduced the number of individual income tax packets it prints and mails each year. Since 2000, the department has reduced from 1.2 million to approximately 300,000 the number of tax packets it sends to individual taxpayers. Not only does this save the state printing and mailing costs, but it is also more environmentally friendly.

“Filing electronically saves the state time and money and the consumer gets their refund faster,“ Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Rudolph said. “The fact that we can also save some trees in the process is an added benefit and all the more reason for taxpayers to file their returns electronically.”

For the taxpayer, electronic filing is faster, more accurate and results in refunds in fewer than 10 days as opposed to eight weeks if a paper return is filed.  Another added benefit this year was the ability to make an electronic payment when taxes were owed.

“As we celebrate Earth Week, I’d like to encourage taxpayers to file their individual income taxes electronically next year,” said Sec. Rudolph. “It saves time, money and the environment.”

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(Kentuckians will join others across the world in celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 22.  Spearheaded by the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, a number of state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations have joined together to celebrate Earth Day.  Some of these partners have organized environmental activities throughout the month of April while others are providing information and resources on protecting Kentucky’s environment.
 
This is the second year in a row for a month-long, organized campaign in celebration of Earth Day.  Among activities planned are hikes, special events, college campus programs, collection of cell phones for recycling and demonstrations of new, environmentally friendly technology.  Visit the state Earth Day Web site at www.environment.ky.gov/earthday to learn more about Kentucky's Earth Day celebration.)