

Update Nov. 3, 2014 — Please note that 1040 Central has been replaced by the Filing page.   
IR-2004-45, April 1, 2004
WASHINGTON — As millions of taxpayers prepare to file their taxes before the April 15 deadline, the Internal Revenue Service released new statistics today showing that electronic filing remains at record levels. More than 45.8 million tax returns have been submitted through e-file so far this year, a 12 percent increase from last year.
“To avoid last-minute tax headaches, we urge people to use e-file,” said IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson. “E-filing is the fastest, easiest way to do taxes. There are fewer errors, and taxpayers get their refunds in less than half the time of paper returns.”
Through March 26, e-filing continues to show strong growth in several areas:

Home computer filers submitted nearly 10.5 million returns, an increase of 22.9 percent from last year.


Tax professionals filed more than 32.2 million returns electronically, a 10.9 percent increase from last year.


The Free File program topped 2.6 million returns, a 24 percent increase from last year.

The continued growth in e-filing as the IRS enters the busiest part of the filing season. Nearly one-third of all taxpayers file returns in the final weeks before the April 15 tax deadline.
“It’s a good idea to go ahead and start now on your taxes,” Everson said. “Don’t wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure you have the all correct information.”
The IRS has a variety of information available for taxpayers on its web site, IRS.gov. Visit the 1040 Central section to get copies of forms, answers to frequently asked questions and other valuable information as the tax deadline approaches.
“At 1040 Central, taxpayers will find virtually everything they need for their 2003 tax return,” Everson said. “The 1040 Central page can be a one stop location for help.”
Related Item: 1040 Central
 
2004 Filing Season Statistics
Cumulative through the weeks ending 3/28/03 and 3/26/04
 

 


2003


2004 


Change


Individual Income Tax Returns


 


 


 


     Total Receipts


73,057,000


74,453,000


  1.9 %


     Total Processed


67,159,000


69,479,000


   3.5 %


E-filing Receipts:


 


 


 


     TOTAL


40,898,000


45,800,000


 12.0 %


     TeleFile (phone)


  3,296,000


  3,081,000


 - 6.5 %


     Computer


37,602,000


42,719,000


 13.6 %


     Tax Professionals


29,062,000


32,225,000


 10.9 %


     Self-prepared


  8,540,000


 10,494,000


  22.9 %


Current Tax Year Refunds Certified:


 


 


 


     Number


60,432,000


62,801,000


3.9 %


     Amount of Principal


$121.440 billion


$132.682 billion


9.3 %


     Average Refund


$2,010


$2,113


5.1 %


 Direct Deposit Refunds:


 


 


 


     Number


  34,395,000


  37,950,000


 10.3 %


     Amount


$82.200 billion


 $93.728 billion


 14.0 %


     Average


     $2,390


     $2,470


   3.3 %

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