The Internal Revenue Service will send taxpayers almost 17.1 million tax packages and 12.5 million postcards in 2007. The 4-page postcards are sent to those filers who prepared their 2006 tax returns using a computer, but filed a paper tax return. The postcards describe the advantages of e-filing and cost about 20 cents each for printing and postage.

Most people will get their tax packages in early January. The IRS expects to receive about 136 million individual tax returns in 2007. The tax packages cost nearly $6.3 million for printing and $5.5 million for postage for an average overall cost of 65 cents per tax package.

The IRS does not mail tax packages to those filers who use a preparer or e-file. For those filers who use a computer to do their own returns and file their returns on paper, the IRS sends a brochure that explains e-file and the electronic signature Self-Select PIN (personal identification number) program.

Form 1040-V

IRS will no longer mail a Form 1040-V payment voucher separately to those filers who had a balance due on their 2005 tax returns. A blank Form 1040-V payment voucher is provided in the tax packages. All taxpayers who have a balance due should use the Form 1040-V payment voucher. The voucher helps ensure that their payments are processed accurately and credited to their accounts.

Taxpayer Name and Address Labels

Taxpayers should use the name and address labels from the tax packages on their forms to help ensure that IRS has a correct mailing address for them. Since the labels don’t include Social Security numbers (SSNs), taxpayers must put their SSNs on their forms, taking care that each person’s SSN matches the name on the Social Security card. Failure to do so may result in delayed refunds or lost tax benefits. Incorrect or missing SSNs for taxpayers or dependents were among the most frequent errors on returns the last few years.

Forms and Publications

Taxpayers who do not receive a tax package in the mail should look online on this Web site to download and print official IRS forms, instructions and publications. Or they may order them by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). The IRS also distributes tax materials through many libraries and post offices across the country. Taxpayers should check with their local institution to ensure availability before making a trip.