ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, December 6, 1995            TAG: 9512060078
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL   PAGE: A-5  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: Associated Press 

IRS EXPANDS FILING BY PHONE TO EVERY STATE

For about 3 million taxpayers, filing a return to the Internal Revenue Service next year could be as easy as picking up a telephone and punching in some numbers.

The IRS announced Tuesday it will expand its TeleFile program nationwide for taxpayers filing their 1995 returns.

Next month, 23 million taxpayers who use Form 1040EZ will be mailed special booklets giving them the option of filing toll-free by telephone. The IRS predicts 3 million will take advantage of the program, up from 680,000 this year.

For the first time next year, the process will be completely paperless. Taxpayers will end their call by using a personal identification number, which will substitute for a signature. Previously, taxpayers had to follow up a telephone return by mailing a signature form.

To be eligible, taxpayers must receive a TeleFile booklet containing their personal identification number. They must be single with no dependents, have taxable income of less than $50,000, have interest income of less than $400 and live at the same address as last year.

During the calls, which should last about 10 minutes, taxpayers follow the nine steps outlined on a work sheet and the recorded-voice instructions.

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