April 1, 2004

State Treasurer Jay B. Rising is reminding Michigan taxpayers to file their 2003 individual income tax returns on time. Returns must be submitted electronically or postmarked (paper returns) no later than Thursday, April 15, 2004 to avoid penalties and interest.

As in years past, the Department of Treasury is experiencing an increase in the number of returns filed electronically. Through March 24, 2004, more than two-thirds of the tax returns received by Treasury has been submitted via e-file. Much of the increase can be attributed to the cooperation of tax professionals in submitting their returns electronically. "With almost 1.9 million returns having been e-filed thus far, we are 50-percent ahead of our previous record pace," Treasurer Rising said. "If e-file remains strong over the final two weeks, we are cautiously optimistic we will hit our target for the year and experience the budget savings we projected." The increase in e-file has kept the processing of paper returns on pace with past years.

Individuals, unable to complete their tax returns by the April 15^th deadline, can request an extension by filing an Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns (Form 4). An approved extension gives taxpayers until August 15, 2004, to file their individual tax return. Extension requests must be received by April 15, 2004, and must include an estimated payment of the anticipated taxes due. Form 4 can be downloaded from Treasury's web site at www.michigan.gov/treasury and is available by calling 1-800-827-4000 to have forms mailed to you. Taxpayers claiming a refund do not have to file an extension request.

Once taxpayers have filed their returns, they can check the status of their refund, and get access to pre-recorded information by calling (toll free) 1-800-827-4000.