Hartford, CT - The majority of Connecticut business taxpayers no longer receives state tax forms in the mail, but this month the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) will begin sending emails reminding taxpayers of their responsibility to file.
DRS Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan said the move toward electronic communication with taxpayers reflects the agency’s goal of using effective, cost-conscious practices to meet taxpayer needs.
“Most businesses already give their customers the option of receiving payment reminders and statements electronically,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “Rather than spend money on postage and printing for forms that won’t be used, email notification provides a way to remind business taxpayers to file their returns without the expensive clutter.”
During FY 2011, electronic business registration accounted for 77% of all new business registrations and electronic filing of business returns increased 11% over the previous year. Electronic tax payments accounted for $9.8 billion in revenue collections.
Because the reminders are being sent through regular email servers, Commissioner Sullivan said the messages will not contain any specific taxpayer information. In fact, he said, DRS will never send any taxpayer an email asking for account information.
Commissioner Sullivan said, “The department only uses email to provide taxpayers with general information and reminds taxpayers never to reply to email inquiries about their accounts. Any exchange of taxpayer information will be done through the department’s secure email server and electronic Taxpayer Service Center electronic filing and payment program.”
DRS expects to begin sending the first email reminders later this week.
For taxpayer assistance, call (800) 382-9463 (from Connecticut outside the Greater Hartford Calling area) or (860) 297-5962.
