Franchise and Excise Tax, Individual Income Tax, and Gift Tax Return Filers
Have Until April 17, 2012 to File and Pay

Nashville - Taxpayers who normally file their individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, or gift tax returns by April 15 have a few extra days to file and remit their payments to the Department of Revenue.

Legislation enacted in 2011 permits the due date of individual income tax, franchise and excise tax, and gift tax returns to be extended when the due date falls on any federal holiday recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. This extension also applies to any remittance due or other tax document, including quarterly estimated payments and extension requests.

Due to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC, the Internal Revenue Service announced April 17, 2012, as the official due date for filing individual federal tax forms. Tennessee law now allows taxpayers to effectively have the same due dates for their state tax returns as they have for their federal 1040 series returns.

The extended due date is April 17, 2012. Returns and tax payments normally due on April 15, 2012, that are postmarked on or before April 17, 2012, will be considered timely filed. Any tax returns or payments required to be electronically filed are also allowed the extended time to file and pay. Electronic filers using the Global Payment Systems option have until 3:00 p.m., Central Time on April 16, 2012 to remit their returns and payments.

“This legislative action makes good sense for Tennesseans,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “Allowing our state’s citizens the same extended due date available to them at the federal level eliminates confusion and ensures taxpayers are given credit for timely filing and paying their taxes.”

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2011 fiscal year, the department collected $10.4 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2011 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $2.0 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

New online system makes it easy to get free permit -

NASHVILLE – With Spring drawing near, Tennesseans begin to take advantage of the mild weather to do some yard work around the home or farm. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind citizens that if they are considering doing outdoor burning, a burn permit is required.

“Burning vegetative material that has accumulated around the yard or using fire to clear an old field can be an efficient way to get rid of such vegetation,” said State Forester Steven Scott. “However, it is very important that citizens practice safe outdoor burning. Obtaining a burn permit in advance of outdoor burning is our way of making the public aware of those recommendations and helping them know when, where, and how it is safe to burn.”

The free burn permits are required in all areas of the state by law until May 15 unless otherwise covered by local ordinances. Residents should check with their city and county government for any local restrictions.

Permits can now be obtained online for small scale burning of leaf and brush piles measuring less than 8 feet by 8 feet in area. The online system was developed to more efficiently issue permits to landowners conducting small scale debris burns, and to provide better access through the weekend and after-work hours for landowners. These permits can be obtained on days and in counties where burn permits are allowed by visiting www.burnsafetn.org. The website is also a good source of information for safe debris burning practices and fire prevention tips including how to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.

The permits can also still be obtained by calling your local Division of Forestry office between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Permits are generally good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekend burning. Phone numbers for each office can be found in the state government section of your local phone book, or by visiting www.burnsafetn.org.

More than 375,000 permits were issued last year for activities that included unconfined, outdoor burning of brush and leaves, untreated wood waste and burning to clear land. The number of requests on any given day can be high, so delays are possible, but every attempt will be made to accommodate requests.

Once a burn permit is obtained, debris burners should practice common sense while conducting a burn. This includes:

• Establish a control line around the fire, down to bare soil before conducting the burn.
• Notify neighbors and local fire departments in advance as a courtesy.
• Have tools on hand such as a leaf rake and garden hose or bucket of water to help control the fire.
• Watch for changing weather conditions as winds can blow the fire in the wrong direction.
• Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. It is not only the smart thing to do, but it is also illegal to leave an open fire unattended.

Escaped debris burns were the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee last year accounting for 409 fires that burned nearly 2,500 acres. The Division’s burn permit system has dramatically helped reduce the numbers of escaped burns since the program began in 1995. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50.

Wildfires caused by arson were the second leading cause last year, but accounted for the largest acreage, burning more than 7,500 acres. Wildland arson is a class C felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1-800-762-3017.

For more information on the TDA’s Division of Forestry, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/forestry. For more information on safe debris burning, visit www.burnsafetn.org.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.  

Nashville to Host State Arbor Day Celebration -

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam has proclaimed March 2 as Arbor Day in Tennessee to recognize the importance of trees to our state. This year’s state celebration will be held in Nashville, which has been designated a Tree City USA community.

“Arbor Day is important for reminding us of the value of trees not only in our rural areas but in our urban areas as well,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “TDA is committed to improving and protecting our forest resources, which contribute a number of environmental and economic benefits.”

Nashville earned the honor of hosting this year’s state Arbor Day celebration by being recognized as the state’s Tree Board of the Year in 2011. The Arbor Day celebration will take place March 2 at 11 a.m. CST in Centennial Park. Mayor Karl Dean and other state and local officials will plant trees in honor of current and late community leaders.

Citizens can also show their support for Arbor Day by visiting local retail nurseries and garden centers for Tennessee grown trees. Selecting locally grown trees not only add value to your home but help ensure success with a quality product that is already acclimated to Tennessee’s growing conditions. A list of nurseries and garden centers with locally grown trees is available at www.picktnproducts.org.

Arbor Day is a national observance, which is recognized at different times based on a region’s ideal conditions and climate for tree planting and care. Arbor Day in Tennessee is always recognized the first Friday in March.

TDA’s Division of Forestry works to protect and enhance forests that cover 14 million acres and provide more than 60,000 jobs. Forests also help promote clean water, wildlife habitat and recreation. Last year, TDA awarded more than $100,000 in Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program grants for 17 urban tree projects statewide.

More information on the Division of Forestry and Arbor Day can be found at www.TN.gov/agriculture/forestry or www.arborday.org.