Friday, August 18, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Call to Use Technology Effectively Saves $74,000
JEFFERSON CITY–Following Gov. Matt Blunt’s call to increase efficiency, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations took advantage of available technology to create an online reporting process and save $74,241.
“Expanding opportunities to do business with government using the Internet has widespread benefits,” Blunt said. “I commend the state labor department for using technology effectively, generating savings and allowing hard working citizens and entrepreneurs to conduct business when it is convenient for them – not just when it is convenient for government.”
The department implemented the Unemployment State Tax Automated Reporting (USTAR) system in January 2005. USTAR allows employers to file quarterly contribution and wage reports and submit payments through the Internet. The new method is faster and easier for employers to file required reports.
By the end of calendar year 2005, more than 14,000 employers submitted more than 450,000 employee wage records through USTAR. The numbers have grown this year to top 16,000 employers and nearly 531,000 employee wage records submitted. Under the secure on-line service the reporting process is more efficient and provides 24-hour, seven days a week filing for employers. USTAR automatically calculates the total, excess and taxable wages and contributions, which results in a tremendous time savings for employers.
It also saves money and time for the state. Unlike their paper counterpart, records filed online do not have to be keyed into the system. As more employers file online, less data entry is required, saving taxpayers $74,241 since the program’s introduction.
“The Department continuously receives positive feedback from employers stating their pleasure with the web design, ease of use and time savings from the new system,” said Rod Chapel, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director. “The new electronic method has saved the department time and money by reducing the amount of data entry for staff.”
Reports and payments may be filed at www.ustar.dolir.mo.gov/ustar/login.jsp. Assistance for the service is available weekdays from, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (573) 751-1995.
For more information on the cost savings or the USTAR program, contact Tammy Cavender at (573) 751-7500.
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