ELECTRONIC FILING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - INDIVIDUALS

How do I file my return electronically?

What is online filing?

Is there a charge for filing electronically?

Is there a way to file electronically without using a paid preparer?

As a practitioner, are the procedures for being accepted as a participant for Georgia electronic filing?

Is there any way I can file my return through the Department of Revenue's web page?

If I file my return online, do I have to mail anything to the State of Georgia?

Does Georgia accept balance due returns?

Can I electronically file an amended return?

Does Georgia accept prior year returns?

Does Georgia accept state only returns?

Do I need to mail a copy of my Federal forms when I file my Georgia return electronically?

I lived in Georgia for half of the year. Can I file my return electronically?

Can I electronically file a return if I am claiming IND-CR credits, taxes paid to another state or business pass through credits (BEST)?

I have already filed my Federal return. How can I file my Georgia return electronically?

I would like to have my refund directly deposited into my account. What forms do I need to complete for this?

How can I check the status of my refund?

What happens if my account number is transmitted wrong on my direct deposit?

The incorrect address was transmitted on my client's return, how do I correct this?

I owe money; will it be automatically deducted from my account?

I owe money; what options do I have to make a payment?

What do I do with the GA-8453 or GA-8453OL?

I suspect a taxpayer and/or preparer are creating fraudulent returns, what should I do?

I still have more questions concerning electronic filing. Who do I contact for more help?

Q. How do I file my return electronically?

A. There are two ways to file your individual income tax return electronically for Georgia . You can either go to a tax practitioner who offers electronic filing services or you can file online from your PC using an approved vendor's software. Federal and state returns can be filed separately; however, the federal return must be filed first. Click here for a list of approved software companies that offer online filing.

Q. What is online filing?

A. Online filing is a method to file your return electronically from your PC without using a practitioner. Click here for a list of approved software companies that offer online filing

Q. Is there a charge for filing electronically?

A. Georgia does not impose a fee for electronic filing. However, there could be fees associated with the software or practitioner that you use. There are companies that offer free electronic filing to qualified taxpayers. Visit our web site at www.dor.ga.gov/inctax/efile/TSD_Free_Electronic_Filing_Program_2007.pdf for a list of company's offerings. The IRS also offers free electronic filing to qualified taxpayers. Visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Q. Is there a way to file electronically without using a paid preparer?

A. You can file online from your PC. Click here for a list of approved software companies that offer online filing.

Q. As a practitioner, are the procedures for being accepted as a participant for Georgia electronic filing?

A. There is no separate application or registration process. You can only participate in Georgia electronic filing if you are approved by the IRS to file electronically.

Q. Is there any way I can file my return through the Department of Revenue's web page?

A. No. But you can file online from your PC. Click here for a list of approved software companies that offer online filing.

Q. If I file my return online, do I have to mail anything to the State of Georgia ?

A. If you are filing online, you need to retain your GA8453OL (signature document) and retain your W-2's, W-2G's, 1099R's, and IND-CR (if applicable). Also, retain any other state returns, schedules and statements if applicable. The only time anything needs to be mailed to the DOR is if you have a balance due. Use Form 525-TV to submit your payment.

Q. Does Georgia accept balance due returns?

A. Yes, Georgia accepts balance due returns.

Q. Can I electronically file an amended return?

A. No, you can not file an amended return electronically.

Q. Does Georgia accept prior year returns?

A. No, the IRS does not allow prior year returns to be transmitted electronically.

Q. Does Georgia accept state only returns?

A. Yes, Georgia accepts state only returns. Please refer to your software provider for instructions on how to transmit a state only return.

Q. Do I need to mail a copy of my Federal forms when I file my Georgia return electronically?

A. No, your Federal information will also be transmitted electronically with your Georgia return.

Q. I lived in Georgia for half of the year. Can I file my return electronically?

A. Yes, Georgia offers electronic filing for full year, part-year, and non-resident returns.

Q. What are the reject error codes for Georgia ?

A. Georgia does not reject any Individual Income tax returns therefore we do not have any error codes.

Q. Can I electronically file a return if I am claiming IND-CR credits, taxes paid to another state or business pass through credits (BEST)?

A. Yes, Georgia will accept all electronic returns with credits. You do not need to mail in any forms unless they are requested by the Department.

Q. I have already filed my Federal return. How can I file my Georgia return electronically?

A. Effective tax year 2002, you can file your federal and state returns separately. You can also file returns for multiple states in one transmission. Please check with your software or tax preparer for state only filing ability.

Q. I would like to have my refund directly deposited into my account. What forms do I need to complete for this?

A. You can receive your refund by direct deposit if you are filing electronically. There is no separate form required for this. There should be an entry in your tax preparation software to do this.

Q. How can I check the status of my refund?

A. Contact the Refund Inquiry Section at: (404) 656-6286, 1-800-338-2389 (inside Georgia but outside the metropolitan Atlanta dialing area) or 1-877-602-8477 (outside of Georgia ).

Q. What happens if my account number is transmitted wrong on my direct deposit?

A. Your client should contact Refund Inquiry at 404-417-4410

Q. The incorrect address was transmitted on my client's return, how do I correct this?

A. A change of address can be e-mailed to ctareg@dor.ga.gov or you can call (404) 417-4490.

Q. I owe money; will it be automatically deducted from my account?

A. No, the Department of Revenue does not automatically deduct bank accounts.

Q. I owe money; what options do I have to make a payment?

A. The Department of Revenue now offers three options in making payment for your current year return.

1) ACH Debit

To make payment by ACH Debit please to go https://gaefile.dor.ga.gov and click on Individual User. For more information on the e-File & e-Pay system click here .

2) Credit Card

To make a payment using a credit card please to go www.officialpayments.com or call 1-800-2PAY-TAX using jurisdiction code 2000 for individual income taxes. A small convenience fee is charged by the processing company.

3) Mail payment

If you wish to mail your payment please include the 525-TV voucher with the payment. Please do not mail cash.

Q. What do I do with the GA-8453 or GA-8453OL?

A. You should sign and keep the GA-8453 and GA-8453OL with the rest of your tax records.

Q. I suspect a taxpayer and/or preparer are creating fraudulent returns, what should I do?

A. You can either call the Fraud Hotline at 404-417-4266 or send an e-mail on our Fraud Referral Form . Both ways you can be anonymous.

Q. I still have more questions concerning electronic filing. Who do I contact for more help?

A. You may contact the Electronic Filing Section at (404) 417-6644 or one of the Regional Offices listed below.

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