Georgia taxpayers

can use any of the following methods to file electronically: have their

taxes prepared by a professional who is a registered electronic returns

originator with the Internal Revenue Service; via telephone; or online

using a personal computer.

Individuals

who are potentially eligible to file by telephone will automatically receive

TeleFile booklets from the IRS and the state of Georgia. Goolsby explained

that "the booklets cannot be requested and individuals cannot file

This year,

Georgia taxpayers can electronically file their original state return

separate from their federal return. However, the federal return must be

filed before the state return is filed. Previously, electronic filing

required the federal and state returns to be filed simultaneously.

Also new this

year is free Internet filing for qualifying taxpayers. Additional information

and access to the tax preparation software is available on line at either

www.irs.gov or www.firstgov.gov. "Electronic filing offers an accurate,

secure and fast alternative to paper filing," Goolsby concluded.

Individuals

needing assistance with either their electronic or paper return can contact

one of the Department's 11 regional offices, visit the DOR Web site at

www.gatax.org, or call 404-417-4477 within the metro Atlanta area. Outside

the metro area, call 877-602-8477.