Revenue
Mark R. Schuling,
Director
Mission Statement:
To serve Iowans and support government services in Iowa
by collecting all taxes required by law, but no more.
Serving Iowans with fast refunds
eFile success story
ePayments
Return on Investment
Satisfaction with online services
|
 |
-
 Performance
Plan - How we measure our progress
-
Strategic
Plan - How we plan for progress
-
Performance
Report - How we report our progress
-
Department Home Page - Learn more about this department
|
|
Highlighted Measure:
Refund processing time by filing
method (electronically filed
returns vs. paper filed returns).
Data Source: Iowa Department of Revenue, Revenue Operations
Division
Updated 2/28/08
FY 2008 data will
be available in December 2008 |
|
 |
Why
this is important:
Taxpayers want their individual income tax
refunds fast. Many requested electronic filing
long before the department had the ability.
As more taxpayers e-file, the processing time
for paper returns continues to improve.
What we're doing about this:
More than 99% of Iowa's individual income tax
forms can be electronically filed. The department
continues to investigate ways in which to e-file
the few remaining forms used by taxpayers with
complex returns.
|
|
|
Highlighted Measure:
Percentage of individual income
tax returns filed electronically.
Data Source: Iowa Department of Revenue, Revenue Operations
Division
Updated 8/1/07 |
 |
|
Why
this is important:
E-commerce is not the wave of the future; it
is the trend of the present. Without being
required, Iowans choose to e-file in increasing
numbers every year, making our state number
one in the nation for four consecutive years.
Inn addition, electronically-filed returns cost less to process,
which, therefore, saves tax dollars.
What we're doing about this:
the department works closely with the IRS
to encourage taxpayers to file both the federal
and state income tax returns electronically.
Efforts continue with tax preparation software
that is compatible with department computer
systems.
E-filing is more affordable every year, and free options are available
to qualifying taxpayers. Iowa participates
in the Free File Alliance, which provides
free electronic filing to taxpayers whose
incomes are less than $50,000. Links to online
software are available on the department's
Web site.
The department markets electronic filing to tax practitioners and
taxpayers. Department employees update tax
professionals every year about law changes
that may change e-filing software. Each year
the department asks business and professional
organizations and the media to include Iowa
e-filing information when they communicate
with their customers about taxes.
|
|
|
Highlighted Measure:
Percentage of General Fund Tax
Revenues received by electronic
funds transfer.
Data Source: Iowa Department of Revenue, Revenue Operations
Division
Updated 8/1/07 |
 |
|
Why
this is important:
Funds received by electronic funds transfer
are processed faster than paper transactions.
Efficient deposits in the General Fund allow
state government to consistently provide services
to the citizens of Iowa.
What we're doing about this:
Iowa has more than 120,000 businesses collecting
sales tax and more than 50,000 employers withholding
income tax. Fuel, cigarette/tobacco, and income
taxes round out the major taxes administered
by the department. some taxpayers are required
to pay electronically; others choose to. The
introduction of eFile & Pay in 2005 increased
their electronic options. ePayments are safe
and efficient for both the taxpayer and state
government.
Also, the department changed the dollar filing thresholds for sales
and withholding tax filers to require more
taxpayers to file electronically.
|
|
|
Highlighted Measure:
Return on Investment (dollars
received: dollars spent in enforcement)
for audit staff.
Data Source: Iowa Department of Revenue
NOTE: Every $1 invested in audit activities generated $9
in taxes collected.
Updated 8/1/07 |
 |
|
Why
this is important:
The cost of collecting taxes must be less than
the revenue generated.
What we're doing about this:
The department is processing corporate returns
faster to reduce the amount of interest paid
on the refunds. Additional examination programs
have been installed for the collection of individual
income tax. Involvement in the national Streamlined
Sales Tax Project is generating new tax dollars
from businesses that had not been collecting
Iowa sales tax.
In Fy05, an investment of $9.89 million in audit activities produced
more than $92 million for the General Fund.
|
|
|
Highlighted Measure:
Composite web-based services
customer satisfaction rating
of "average" or better, on a
1-5 rising scale.
Data Source: Iowa Department of Revenue, Compliance Division
NOTE: Online Services include eFile and Pay, Status of refund,
Business application, Change
business information, Sales
tax rate lookup, Credit card
payments, Special events
registration, Fraud reporting,
Nexus questionnaires, eLists
(e-mail news), and links
to income tax software.
Updated 2/28/08
|
 |
|
Why
this is important:
Customers want to conduct business with the
department at their convenience. They also want
their returns and refunds processed quickly and
cost-effectively. Online services fulfill those
needs.
The decline in satisfaction with Web-based services correlates directly
with the introduction of eFile & Pay, the
department's newest online application. As
with any new system, a learning curve is
expected, especially if it is a taxpayer's
first experience with e-commerce.
What we're doing about this:
The eFile Service Unit has nine employees
dedicated to responding to calls and e-mails
from customers. A demonstration option in
the eFile & Pay system allows taxpayers to
learn how to use the system before they actually
file. Input from customer surveys was used
to improve the eFile & Pay system. The Sales Tax Rate Lookup is
the result of customer requests and the Streamlined
Sales Tax Project. The department continues
to devote resources to add and improve e-commerce
options.
|
|
|
