Employers use tax-filing software to save time and avoid mistakes - March 26, 2007

07-017

Media contact: Hilary Young, 360-902-9454

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audio/

OLYMPIA – More than 60 percent of all Washington employers now file their unemployment-insurance taxes electronically rather than on paper forms, according to the Employment Security Department.

“I’ve used UIFastTax for at least two years and I wouldn’t file any other way,” said Rose Sheppard from Cobb Construction in Seattle. “It’s simple and saves time. It’s easy to import all of our employee information.”

Employment Security’s tax software allows users to import employee data directly from their payroll software, eliminating the need to re-key information. It also has built-in features that calculate taxes and highlight missing information, further reducing the risk of errors.

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee cited several reasons why many employers have made the switch:

Filing electronically is generally faster than filling out forms.

The software lets users know if they try to submit incomplete information, so there are fewer penalties.

The fact that it is electronic eliminates formatting penalties.

Another advantage is that it saves tax dollars because it reduces printing and mailing costs, Lee said.

“There are so many good reasons to file online, and I keep wondering why the other 40 percent of businesses haven’t joined the e-filing crowd,” Lee said. “I hope that more of them will give it a try.”

Businesses can file and pay taxes online at www.efile.go2ui.com. All data are submitted over a secure Internet connection. Technical support is available by telephone at 800-565-4660.