The forms are uploaded as soon as they are ready, as opposed to batch mailings previously made only three times each year. Although the system is designed to receive their proof copies by e-mail, few developers currently have this ability. Still, the agency is able to approve developer products in the fall instead of January, which enables them to better serve their customers. The new process helps the agency because we no longer mail drafts to developers. The change eliminated a major portion of the paperwork shuffle.
Developers assist in finding errors on forms, which are then quickly corrected by both sides.
Agency forms have fewer errors than in the past. Calls are reduced and processing is expedited. E-mail has become a primary communication vehicle between our agency and developers on related issues. The Iowa developer site has been promoted as the model for state tax agencies nationwide by the National Association of Computerized Tax Processors. The original project manager and developer of the concept was Linda Surber, who has since accepted new responsibilities.