Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Jerry Wingate, Tax Program Coordinator (573)

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Missouri Department of Revenue employee since 1982 Background in Remittance Processing, Tax Processing and Data Formatting and Transmission Missouri E-File Tax Program Coordinator since September 1999

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Marketing is conducted in five major components; – Website information –Limited Radio and Newspaper campaigns –Flyers, brochures and posters (Paycheck stuffers) –ERO Information Packets –Saturation in forms publications

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Website includes general help and information. Missouri is implementing new strategies throughout 2000 to improve and upgrade Website services, which will include a massive revamping of the Electronic Filing page.

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Press releases are conducted during distribution of W2s. Flyers, brochures and posters are distributed to Field offices State-wide. Stuffers are sent with December State employee paycheck and also in their W2 envelope.

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy ERO Information packets are prepared and mailed to approved IRS EROs. Names and addresses are drawn from the IRS applicant database. This packet includes an E-File Handbook, Poster, Static sticker, brochure, notepad, Post-it notes, and intro letter. This is an excellent way to distribute yearly changes and updates.

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy Missouri’s Alternative Filing Methods are mentioned in virtually every tax booklet and forms publication released by the Department. Previous year’s paper filers are immediately exposed to the methods available when they see the cover of their booklet. This is the most effective marketing tool available to us at this time.

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy What’s the Bottom Line? Dollars for marketing are generally scarce, although some costs are budgeted in. Electronic Filing totals through April 28 are 548,816 returns filed, compared to 369,090 in 1999, a 48% increase. Telefile return totals through April 21 are 135,067, compared to 76,443 in 1999, a 77% increase.

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy What’s the Bottom Line? Cont. Missouri unveiled a Credit Card IVR system this year which was advertised via the brochures, posters, and booklets, and response was much higher than expected. Over 1,200 taxpayers used the system, generating almost $600,

Missouri Alternative Filing Methods Marketing Strategy In Conclusion... Thank you for listening and are there any questions?