Statewide, DE – The Delaware Lottery Office announced today a number of new enhancements to the internet-based gaming sites available through Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway.

MAC users now have access to Delaware’s internet casino games.  For the first time, they too can experience the fun of blackjack, roulette, and video lottery or “slot machines.” All players – both PC and MAC – will be able to enjoy internet casino games without having to first download a Poker application. In addition, four new blackjack games have been added to include multi-hand options. Harrington Raceway has also included two new and exciting video lottery games, Café de Paris and City Life 2.

“The success of internet gaming for the state, the casinos, and players depends on creating a fun and easy experience for everyone,” says Secretary of Finance Tom Cook. “We’re excited to offer an iGaming option that doesn’t require a Poker download, and we’re thrilled MAC users can now participate. These enhancements to the technology and to the games themselves allow Delaware to service a whole new segment of players.”

Delaware has offered casino games and Poker online since October 2013. Access to internet gaming is available via the following casino websites:

http://www.delawarepark.com/igaming/
http://www.doverdowns.com/online
http://www.harringtongamingonline.com/

Players who have questions or need technical assistance may contact customer support at:

Delaware Park: 888-201-4603 or support@delparkonline.com
Dover Downs: 888-201-5301 or support@onlinegaming.doverdowns.com
Harrington Raceway:  888-201-4083 or  support@HarringtonGamingOnline.com

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Contacts:
Vernon Kirk
Director
Delaware Lottery
vernon.kirk@delaware.gov
302-744-1601

Angela Moffett-Batty
Community Relations Coordinator
Delaware Department of Finance
angela.moffett@delaware.gov
302-577-8522

Free online tax filing available through state website

Statewide, DE – Division of Revenue Director Patrick T. Carter reminds taxpayers today that State of Delaware Personal Income Tax is due April 30, 2014.  Citizens can file their Delaware Income Taxes online for free at www.delaware.gov.

On average, Delaware’s online filing system allows taxpayers requesting a refund to receive their refund two weeks earlier than those filing paper returns. Currently, the average time to issue a refund for online tax filing is under 9 days, compared to paper tax filing which is over 21 days.

Online filing also allows taxpayers to file their taxes electronically and then schedule any payment due closer to the April 30^th deadline. Online filing is available 24/7. Taxpayers may pay their State of Delaware taxes using a credit card or by debiting their bank account.

Because Delaware does not maintain reciprocity agreements with other states, it is important for anyone who is not a Delaware resident – but worked in Delaware in 2013 – to understand that they must file a Delaware tax return. Likewise, Delaware Residents who work out-of-state are required to file returns with Delaware, in addition to the state where they worked.

If a taxpayer owes Delaware and doesn’t have the funds to make payment on April 30^th, it is still important to file the return and make future payment arrangements because there is a 5% monthly penalty if the return is not filed on time. Likewise, if a taxpayer doesn’t have all of their return completed they can file an extension using the Delaware extension form, DE1027, which will give them until October 15, 2014 to file the original tax return without the 5% non-filing penalty.

By law, Delaware employees should have received their W-2 employment forms by January 31^st for any job worked during the 2013 calendar year. Those who haven’t received a W-2 should contact their employer immediately.

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Contact:
Angela Moffett-Batty
Community Relations Coordinator
Delaware Division of Revenue
302-577-8522

In just over eight months, the Department of Finance’s Office of Unclaimed Property has reunited more individuals with their unclaimed property during Fiscal Year 2014 than it did in all of Fiscal Year 2013. 

As of March 6, 2014, the Office of Unclaimed Property has reviewed and fulfilled more than 9,700 claims for unclaimed cash and securities having a total value of $83.0 million.  This compares to Fiscal 2013’s full-year total of 3,047 claims valued at $19.2 million. 

Such growth is due to the State’s improved customer focus and its concentrated effort to increase owner outreach.  In addition to posting owner names online and in newspapers – as it does every year – the State mailed over 150,000 letters during the spring of 2013 informing individuals of their unclaimed assets in Delaware. 

The State also has the business community and the companies holding property and stock to thank for their continued assistance in finding, contacting, and reuniting individuals to unclaimed funds. 

“We are thrilled by the increase,” commented State Escheator, David Gregor.  “Whenever possible, the idea is to reunite individuals with their property.  We view companies and their agents as our partners in this endeavor.  Because these holders understand Delaware’s commitment to compliance, they take their outreach efforts seriously.”

Individuals are encouraged to visit the Unclaimed Property website to see if they may be entitled to recover property:  http://finance.delaware.gov/unclaimedproperty.shtml.

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Contact:

Angela Moffett-Batty
Community Relations Coordinator
Delaware Department of Finance
302-577-8522
angela.moffett@delaware.gov

Dover — At an event in Dover today, Governor Markell announced 19 Delaware nonprofit organizations will receive a total of $355,000 in grant money from the state’s Financial Literacy Education Fund (FLEF). Through the FLEF grant program, these nonprofit organizations will improve the financial skills of Delawareans through education on how to budget, save, invest and plan for the future. A total of 24 organizations throughout Delaware applied for funding from the state’s Financial Literacy Education Fund. To make this announcement, Governor Markell was joined today by State Bank Commissioner Robert Glen.

The Financial Literacy Education Fund was established in 2009 when Governor Markell signed Senate Bill 108 requiring businesses that make short-term consumer loans (such as title loans and payday loans) to pay an annual high-cost loan license fee of $1,500 for each licensed office. These monies are deposited into the FLEF, which the law states must be used to fund grants to or contracts with schools or other organizations that provide financial and economic literacy skills to adults and youth in Delaware.

In 2011, the first grant year saw 13 organizations receive over $550,000 in grant awards. In 2012, the second grant year saw 22 organizations receive over $452,000 in grant awards.

“These organizations have done our state a great service by helping hundreds of Delawareans gain the tools to make sound financial judgments,” said Governor Markell. “Our greatest asset is our people and we all benefit from a stronger economy when more people in our state make smart decisions for their future and their families.”

The FLEF is administered by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner and the Secretary of State’s Office. Applications for the competitive grants were rated on how they would improve the financial literacy of Delawareans. Programs reaching populations or geographic regions within Delaware that have limited access to financial literacy programs, particularly reaching out to members of the military, seniors and minority communities, were encouraged. The Fund has one competitive grant cycle each calendar year.

All schools recognized by the Delaware Department of Education and nonprofit organizations within the State of Delaware that have a 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service were eligible to apply.

Grants were awarded in three categories: K-12 Financial Literacy Programs; Adult Financial Literacy Programs; and Targeted Campaigns focused on providing education to those facing decision on debt, with specific emphasis on reaching out to the military, seniors, and minority communities.

Contact:
Robert A. Glen
State Bank Commissioner
302-739-4235