"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, which is faster and easier for employers. 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 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 new electronic method has saved the department time and money by reducing the amount of data entry for staff," said Rod Chapel, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations director.
