April, 2010
By Cory Fong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
BISMARCK, N.D. – With the April 15 income tax filing deadline just around the corner, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced that the Tax Department will be open on Thursday, April 15, until 9:00 p.m. CDT to accommodate taxpayers who plan to drop off their return in person and to help those who may have last minute questions.
Fong said, “By staying open later, more taxpayers will be able to reach the Tax Department employees to get answers to their last-minute questions.”
Tax filers may get help with their state income tax return in person by going to the State Tax Department’s office on the 16th floor in the Capitol. On Thursday, April 15, the north door of the Capitol will be open from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tax filers will need to have a copy of their federal tax return, W-2s, and 1099s with them. The Tax Department encourages taxpayers to be sure the return they file is complete and accurate.
Fong also suggested that taxpayers who don’t think they will be able to meet the April 15 due date, file an extension rather than filing an incomplete return.
Individuals may request an extension by filing the federal IRS Form 4868 – Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. Filing the IRS Form 4868 gives taxpayers until October 15, 2010, to file their individual tax return. Taxpayers need to file the federal Form 4868 with the IRS by April 15, 2010. Taxpayers who obtain a federal extension will receive an automatic extension of time to file their North Dakota return.
Fong reminds taxpayers filing for an extension that they are required to include a payment of the anticipated taxes due. Form 4868 is available on the IRS web site at www.irs.gov or by calling 800.829.1040 to have forms mailed.
Fong suggests taxpayers visit the state web site at www.nd.gov/tax for more tax information. Taxpayers who need help with their state tax return may call 701.328.1247 or visit the Tax Department in person from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Filed in: Uncategorized
By Cory Fong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced today that North Dakota’s taxpayers who are affected by early-April severe weather may qualify for relief from penalties if they are unable to meet the April 15, 2010 filing deadline for their 2009 state income tax return.
Because the IRS announced that it may grant relief from penalties for taxpayers who are unable to meet the April 15, 2010 filing deadline for their 2009 federal income tax return, the state Tax Department automatically recognizes the federal relief for North Dakota tax purposes.
“The spring storm has disrupted the lives of individuals and interrupted business operations around the state,” said Fong. “The Tax Department is ready to help affected taxpayers by offering the relief from penalties for filing a late return.”
Taxpayers who owe tax, should file as soon as they are able. If their state return is filed late, taxpayers may receive a notice regarding late filing and/or late payment penalties. Taxpayers who receive a notice, should contact the Tax Department at the number provided in the notice.
“We will do our best to take the situation into consideration as we conduct our day-to-day business,” said Fong.
Individuals and businesses with questions or concerns about filing and paying their North Dakota taxes should visit the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax and click on Disaster Relief located in the menu options or call the Office of State Tax Commissioner at 701.328.1247.
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Filed in: Uncategorized
By Cory Fong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Monday, April 12, 2010
BISMARCK, N.D. – With a couple days to go before the deadline, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong reminded taxpayers that individual income tax returns need to be postmarked or electronically filed by midnight, Thursday, April 15, 2010 in order to avoid penalties and interest.
“In the days running up to the April 15 deadline, we encourage taxpayers to file their return electronically,” said Fong. “E-file is the best way to file because it helps taxpayers avoid that last-minute scramble of looking for a paper form, envelope, and stamp.”
Tax Department statistics show that the number of returns e-filed is ahead of last year. Through April 9, 190,220 or 77 percent of the tax returns were e-filed to the Tax Department, an increase of about 10 percent from 2009 to 2010.
Fong offered the following suggestions for taxpayers, for paper and electronic returns:
1. Double-check the return to be sure the entries are correct, especially the name, address, and social security number.
2. Only complete the areas that apply to you. If it does not apply, leave the box blank.
3. Be sure to enter a current, valid mailing address. Refund checks with incomplete or invalid addresses are returned to the Tax Department. If a taxpayer has a street address and a Post Office Box, they should use the Post Office Box, not both. Taxpayers who use Direct Deposit avoid the delivery problems.
4. If you e-file, do not send in a paper return.
Fong added that taxpayers who file paper should also pay attention to the following:
• If you file a paper return, be sure you enclose a complete copy of your federal income tax return. Also, make sure to include all of your Form W-2s and any Form 1099s showing North Dakota income tax withheld.
• Taxpayers filing paper should be sure to sign their return. If filing a joint return, their spouse must also sign.
“As the deadline approaches, it is easy to get caught up in the last-minute rush to file on time. Unfortunately, that is when mistakes can happen, which create delays or results in the return being filed late,” said Fong. “Taxpayers who e-file avoid these simple errors because the system automatically takes care of many of the problems we find on paper returns.”
Once taxpayers have filed their returns, they can check the status of their state refund, by visiting the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax. The online service provides individuals a convenient way to find out if their return was received, processed, or the date their refund was issued.
For more information, visit the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax or follow the Tax Department on facebook. Taxpayers may call 877.328.7088 (statewide) or 701.328.1247 (Bismarck-Mandan area) for help with the state tax return.
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Filed in: Uncategorized
By Cory Fong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Thursday, April 8, 2010
BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today reminded taxpayers who are anticipating a refund to use the Tax Department online tool, Where’s My Refund, to find out the status of their refund.
“Taxpayers who are eager to receive their refund can track the processing of their individual income tax refund through the “Where’s My Refund” online system,” said Fong.
Taxpayers who access the tracking system, will need to enter their Social Security Number, filing status, and the amount of their anticipated refund. Once that information is entered the taxpayer will learn:
• If their return was received;
• If their return is being processed; or
• The date their refund was issued.
Fong said, “The system is a convenient online tool for taxpayers who want to find accurate and current information on their individual income tax refund from the comfort of their own home.”
So far, the Tax Department has processed over 241,000 individual income tax returns, compared to about 227,000 returns at this time in 2009. About 161,000 refunds have been issued so far this year, compared to about 153,000 last year.
To access “Where’s My Refund?” or for other tax-related information, visit the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax or follow the Tax Department on facebook.
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Filed in: Uncategorized
By Cory Fong
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kathryn Strombeck, Research Analyst, 701.328.3402
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced today that during the months of October, November, and December, North Dakota’s overall taxable sales and purchases slowed by 7.9 percent, or by $269 million, compared to the same time period during 2008. Taxable sales and purchases are up when compared to fourth quarter 2007 statistics.
“North Dakota experienced a record-setting year for taxable sales and purchases in 2008, and that level of growth was not sustainable,” said Fong. “When we compare 2009 to 2007, which is a more typical year, fourth quarter spending levels were strong and indicate that North Dakota’s economy remains on track.”
The fourth quarter 2009 report shows growth of 10.9 percent or $307.8 million compared to the same timeframe in 2007.
Seven of fifteen sectors reported growth during October, November, and December of 2009. The retail trade sector, the sector that is mainly looked to as a measure of the economy, was up the most in terms of dollars, growing $27.6 million or 2.3 percent compared to fourth quarter of 2008.
“The retail trade sector is an especially important sector to watch during the fourth quarter because it encompasses the all-important Christmas shopping season,” said Fong. “So a strong showing in our retail sector during the Christmas season is an especially good sign. While other states continued to feel the effects of the recession, North Dakotans remained upbeat and continued to spend.”
Comparing the retail trade sector to the fourth quarter 2007, shows growth of 3.1 percent. The rate of inflation for the same time was about 2.1 percent.
The largest percentage increase came in the other services sector, which was up 13.2 percent when compared to 2008. Other sectors that reported growth during the fourth quarter of 2009, include the financial, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing sector, up 9.5 percent; professional, scientific, technical, and management services sector, up 5.1 percent; information industries, up 3.5 percent; educational, health care, and social services, up 2.6 percent; and accommodations and food services sector, up 2.1 percent.
Sectors reporting a decline include: mining and oil extraction sector, down 44.8 percent; utilities, down 43.5 percent; transportation and warehousing, down 23.8 percent; manufacturing, down 16.4 percent; wholesale trade, down 13 percent; miscellaneous, down 3.3 percent; construction, down 2.7 percent; and arts, entertainment and recreation, down 0.7 percent.
“The drop in the mining and oil extraction sector is not reflective of production, which continues to flourish, rather the drop simply reflects a supply build up,” said Fong. “In the utilities sector, the figures point to the exemption from sales tax for natural gas used in heating and industrial purposes. The result of this exemption is reflected in a number of sectors.”
The exemption from sales and use taxes for sales of natural gas became effective July 1, 2009. If natural gas had been taxable in the fourth quarter, taxable sales would have been about $89 million greater than the amount reported and the total decrease for the quarter would have been about five percent.
Of the 50 largest cities, the biggest percentage increases for fourth quarter of 2009 were Washburn, up 33.8 percent; Bowman, up 26.6 percent; Rugby, up 25.9 percent; New Town, up 25.6 percent; and Harvey, up 18.6 percent.
The four largest cities, Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot, contributed $17.2 million in growth during the fourth quarter. Minot showed growth of 6.3 percent, or $14.9 million; Grand Forks grew 1.5 percent or $3.9 million, Bismarck grew 0.25 percent, or $876 thousand; while Fargo remained relatively flat, with a decrease of 0.4 percent or $2.4 million.
The biggest percentage fourth quarter decreases for the 50 largest cities, were in Cando, down 40.5 percent; Kenmare, down 31.1 percent; Williston, down 22.6 percent; Walhalla, down 16.3 percent; and Tioga, down 15.2 percent.
Counties with the highest percentage increases were Oliver, up 45.7 percent; Bowman, up 26.4 percent; Pierce, up 25.8 percent; Renville, up 25.3 percent; and Grant, up 23.6 percent.
The counties with the biggest percentage decreases were Burke, down 65.2 percent; Dunn, down 44.3 percent; Towner, down 33.9 percent; Williams, down 21.5 percent; and McHenry, down 10.5 percent.
Complete North Dakota Sales and Use Tax Statistical Reports from Fourth Quarter 2009 can be accessed on the web at: www.nd.gov/tax/salesanduse/pubs/.
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Filed in: Uncategorized
