Ready, set, file.
Minnesota taxpayers can begin filing their state and federal income tax returns. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15 to file and pay state and federal income taxes.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers tips to income tax filers as they prepare to file their taxes:
- Help may be available for free tax return filing and preparation, if adjusted gross income is $69,000 or less. Thousands of eligible Minnesota taxpayers qualify to file electronically for free. Use the links on the department website to see about qualifying for free state and federal income tax filing.
- Minnesota has more than 200 free tax preparation sites available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs. Most sites are open February 1 through April 15. The department website posts information to help taxpayers find sites near their homes.
- File electronically and choose direct deposit. Electronically filing returns and choosing direct deposit for refunds is the most secure and convenient way to file taxes and get a refund. Learn more about electronic filing options and the benefits of choosing direct deposit.
- Check for accuracy when preparing forms. Enter name and any dependent’s names, exactly as they appear on Social Security cards, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) cards or letters. Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms for direct deposit. Incorrect information on tax forms can result in refund delays.
- Save receipts and other tax-related documents. If certain deductions or credits are claimed, be sure to include all required documentation when filing and save copies in case it is needed for future reference.
- File state and federal return by the April 15 due date, even if more money is owed than can be paid. Pay as much as possible by the due date and contact state and federal officials as soon as possible to set up a payment agreement for the remaining balance. Include proper banking information on electronically filed returns to make the payment or pay electronically with the state’s e-Services Payment System. Specify when the payment will be taken from a checking or savings account in advance or on the due date.
After tax forms are filed
- Refunds can be tracked by using the state’s Where’s My Refund? system. Taxpayers may track which of the four stages the refund is in and whether action must be taken to allow the state to complete the processing for a refund.
- Moving after a return is filed? Make sure state and federal officials are contact, so that responses including refund checks can go to the proper address. This should be done even if a taxpayer asks for direct deposit. Call 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652- 9094 (toll-free) to report address changes to state officials.
- Do not spend a refund until the money appears in a bank account. Returns may take longer to process because of the increase in attempted refund fraud due to scams, stolen personal information, and identity theft. The department will take the time necessary to review returns to make sure it is keeping money out of the hands of criminals.
- Wait to track your Property Tax Refund. Many taxpayers file their property tax returns at the same time as their income tax returns. By law, state officials cannot begin processing Property Tax Refunds before July 1. Check back later this year for updates on current year Property Tax Refunds.
Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up for its email subscription list. Go to www.revenue.state. mn.us for details.
