December 10, 2004 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue sent a mailing to all Sales and Use Tax account holders to make them aware of the changes coming to the filing and paying of Sales and Use Taxes. The mailing also included a tax due date reminder card ( REV -819) for 2005 with filing instructions on the back.

According to the Department of Revenue, the new Business TeleFile project is moving along and will be available to taxpayers on February 1, 2005 . The telephone filing system, similar to the system for filing Personal Income Tax returns, has a toll-free number: 1-888-748-8299. Taxpayers currently remitting Sales Tax Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments over the telephone will also be directed to the new TeleFile system to make their payments.

Changes have also been made to the Electronic Tax Information Data Exchange System (e-TIDES) Internet filing system to make it more user friendly. Some of the changes include: a more streamlined registration process, the ability to make timely payments until 11:59 p.m. on the due date, ability to file amended returns, and make name, address and out-of-business changes.

Pennsylvania is not the first state to offer electronic filing for Sales Taxes to its customers; Minnesota and Alabama have implemented similar systems. They've experienced 97 percent and 90 percent compliance rates respectively and saved taxpayers' money.

In summation, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has created an easier way to file your Sales and Use tax returns.  By calling the number provided and following the automated instructions your return can be filed in a matter of minutes.

For more information, contact an Asher tax professional at 215-564-1900.

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