Gov. Heineman Congratulates Nebraskans for E-filing Taxes

Press Release

Gov. Dave Heineman today congratulated Nebraska taxpayers for using e-file options to report state income taxes for tax year 2009. Approximately 79% of the total individual income tax returns were e-filed for tax year 2009.

"The ability to file and pay taxes online is another way our state is providing the services Nebraskans want, while also helping ensure greater efficiency in government," Gov. Heineman said. "By e-filing, taxpayers and tax preparers helped reduce costs at the state level."

Nebraskans helped the Nebraska Department of Revenue meet the 79% threshold by e-filing approximately 678,700 returns electronically. This is up from 70% in 2008. According to Tax Commissioner Doug Ewald, the goal for 2010 taxes will be an e-file rate of 85%.

Commissioner Ewald said, "I want to thank tax preparers and individual taxpayers for embracing e-filing options this year. E-filing is quicker and more efficient; it speeds up tax refunds, reduces the risk of errors, and provides immediate confirmation that a return has been received."

This year, the Department of Revenue hired 27 temporary employees to assist with tax filings. This number is down significantly from 150 a decade ago.

Another goal of the Department of Revenue is to increase taxpayers' use of e-pay options, especially for quarterly estimated payments. Taxpayers can make e-payments by using an e-pay option available on the Department of Revenue's website, www.revenue.ne.gov.

"The website is an important first point of contact for taxpayers and tax preparers to get all the tax information they need at any time of the day," Ewald added.

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