Carole Migden: Tips for Filing Taxes Easier and Faster

During tax time, it can seem as though all of your time is dedicated to filling out your tax forms. Here are some tips to help you do your taxes faster and more efficiently.

First, file on-line. It's time to get into the 21st century. Filing on-line makes the process easier and faster. You can file on your own PC using industry software or use a web-based system accessible at www.ftb.ca.gov.

Many more folks can now file for free using the 2EZ Direct system. The link to that is www.ftb.ca.gov/online/2EZ/Index.asp. If you can't file for free, a list of e-file providers is available at www.ftb.ca.gov.

Did you know that you can even pay your taxes on-line, for free, if you have the funds debited from you bank account or use your credit card. And do you know who's in your corner when it comes to taxes?

Many people don't know about the Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the Franchise Tax Board that helps taxpayers resolve problems with the FTB and recommend changes that will prevent the problems from occurring in the future. The Taxpayer Advocate can be reached by fax at (916) 845-6614, online at ww.ftb.ca.gov/taxpayer_advocate/index.html or by writing to: Taxpayer Advocate Bureau, P. O. Box 157, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-0157.

Another resource for low-income taxpayers is Volunteer Income Tax Aid. The VITA program trains volunteers to help families and individuals with total gross incomes of less than $34,000 to fill out tax returns. They can be reached either at (415) 733 8633 or at www.tax-aid.org or www.ftb.ca.gov/vita_tce/index.asp.

There are also several sites that offer tax advice to the elderly. For a listing of those, call (800) 852-5711.

The last advice to offer is to make sure you sign your tax forms. Although it seems like a natural thing to do, you'd be surprised at how many people forget and how long that can delay the process of getting a refund processed.

And just in case all of that fails and you don't get your taxes filed in time, you should know that California law allows you an automatic six-month extension, so if you file your return by Oct. 15, you won't be subject to a late filing penalty. It is not, however, an extension of time to pay your tax. To avoid late payment penalties and interest you must pay the full amount of the tax you owe by April 15. If you are paying your tax but have not yet filed your return, include a completed Payment Voucher for Automatic Extension for Individuals with your April 15 payment.

Tax time can be a rough time of year, but if you remember a few simple things and you know who's in your corner, it can be a lot easier. I hope this helps you get through the process more quickly and with less stress.

Carole Migden is the head of the state board of equalization.