Revenue Department Stresses Electronic Tax Return Filing

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's tax collection agency is making another paperless push.

The Revenue Department ushered in the start of tax filing season Tuesday with a renewed emphasis on electronic filing and direct deposit options.

Minnesota taxpayers have been able to file income tax returns electronically since 1990, and 85 percent now do. Agency officials say people who file that way receive refunds twice as fast as those who file on paper returns.

The department also suggests using direct deposit for refunds as a way to cut down on check-processing costs for the state and lost or stolen checks for taxpayers.

People have until April 15 to submit their 2014 tax returns.