Department of Revenue News Release

JEFFERSON CITY - With the deadline to file state tax returns quickly approaching, the Missouri Department of Revenue has advice for Missourians who have not yet filed their returns.

The filing deadline for state and federal tax returns is Monday, April 15. 

The Department encourages people to file their returns electronically, if possible.  This method is more convenient, reduces the chance for errors and usually reduces the time waiting for refunds.

The Department also encourages taxpayers to make sure they sign their returns, double check all math computations and see that all the necessary forms are attached.

If a taxpayer knows that he or she will not be able to file a complete return by the due date, he or she can file for an extension of time to file their return.  If citizens receive an extension of time to file their federal income tax returns, they will automatically be granted an extension of time to file a Missouri income tax return.  A copy of the federal extension (Federal Form 4868) would need to be attached to the Missouri income tax return when it is filed.  A taxpayer who receives an extension of time to file a return must still pay the tax on or before the original due date of the return.  Information about tax extensions and access to the Form 4868 is available at this link:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf 

Filing for an extension does not extend the time to pay taxes that are due.  If a citizen expects to owe state income tax, the Missouri extension Form MO-60 should be filed with a payment by the original due date of the return.  A 5 percent penalty and interest will apply on any unpaid balance not paid by the original due date of the return.  A copy of the MO-60 and instructions for the form are available here:  http://dor.mo.gov/forms/MO-60_2012.pdf 

Many taxpayer questions can be answered at the Department's website at www.dor.mo.gov. If the question is not answered using website information, citizens with specific questions about individual income tax returns may call (573) 751-3505 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or e-mail the Department at income@dor.mo.gov. 

The Department also has tax assistance centers located in seven Missouri cities.  The centers are in Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Springfield.  Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Citizens who have questions about the preparation of their tax returns can call, email or visit the centers.  Contact information and office addresses are available at http://dor.mo.gov/contact/assistance.php. 

Missouri tax forms for Tax Year 2012 and other years are available on the Department's website at http://dor.mo.gov/forms/.  All the forms and instructions for the forms can be printed on demand directly from the website.  Some of the forms can also be filled out on the computer and then printed and mailed to the Department of Revenue.  These forms print with a 2-D barcode that helps speed up processing. 

A toll-free, automated phone number to order forms is 1-800-877-6881.  

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