TAXING TIMES

Returns mailed to IRS on the rise

The Internal Revenue Service believes 59 million federal tax returns will be mailed this year. That's 43 percent of all individual returns.

Though more returns are filed electronically than in hard copy, mailed returns are still expected to be up 3 percent over last year. Why? Because more Americans are expected to file tax returns this year.

Taxpayers must submit a return in order to take advantage of the national Stimulus Payment, or rebate program. So, low-income Americans not required to file returns will file this year in order to qualify for their rebates.

"The most common mistakes Americans make in mailing their forms are not including enough postage and not providing the correct IRS mailing address," said St. Louis Postmaster Robert Caviner. "After the first ounce - which usually covers about four, letter-sized sheets - mailers need to add 17 cents for each additional ounce."

Haven't sent your taxes in? You're not alone. Typically, 20 percent of all Americans wait until the last week to file their returns.

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