News Release — Vermont Department of Taxes
Jan. 21, 2014
Contact: Maribeth Spellman
Director of Policy, Outreach, and Legislative Affairs
Vermont Department of Taxes
(802) 828-0141 or Maribeth.Spellman@state.vt.us
Montpelier, Vt., Jan. 21, 2013—The Vermont Individual Income Tax Return Booklet for tax year 2013, which includes instructions and commonly used forms, is now online on the Vermont Department of Taxes website. All other tax forms will be available online by Jan. 31. Taxpayers also may order paper copies of the booklet and forms by contacting the department by email or phone. The booklet and forms will no longer be distributed through town offices, post offices and libraries.
According to statistics gathered by the department, of the approximately 64,000 Individual Income Tax Return booklets distributed for tax year 2012, only about 18,000 forms were filed from the booklet. Many taxpayers used paper forms obtained online on the department’s website or filed electronically.
Taxpayers wishing to e-file their federal and state income taxes using a vendor of choice may do so beginning Jan. 31. “We encourage people to file electronically,” said Mary Peterson, commissioner for the Department of Taxes. “We see a growing number of Vermont taxpayers e-filing because they are finding it is easy, convenient and secure. Taxpayers also find that they get their refunds more quickly when they e-file, as quickly as two to three days.”
A number of eligible taxpayers also take advantage of free tax preparation with programs through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) or the AARP Foundation Tax Aide. Information about this year’s programs may be found on the department’s website at www.bit.ly/TaxAssistance or by calling (802) 828-2865 or toll-free in Vermont (866) 828-2865.
The tax booklet and forms may be found online by visiting www.tax.vermont.gov. This year, the department is introducing an “Individual Income Tax Resource Area” on its homepage where taxpayers will find links to forms, instructions and other resources they will need to file their Vermont income taxes. Paper copies of the booklet and forms may be ordered by emailing taxforms@state.vt.us or by calling the toll-free number (855) 297-5600. The request should include full name, mailing address, form numbers and quantity of forms needed.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Vermont individual income tax forms now available online and by request.
