Individual income tax filing season opens Jan. 19
The Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDR) has announced it will open state individual income tax filing season on January 19, 2016. For the benefit and convenience of Minnesotans, this is the same day as the Internal Revenue Service.
The filing deadline to submit 2015 tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2016, rather than the traditional April 15 date. This is also the same day as the Internal Revenue Service.
As the filing season nears, Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly wants to remind taxpayers that filing electronically helps improve the accuracy of your return and choosing direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your refund.
“Making sure the right refund amount goes to the right person is our top priority,” said Bauerly. “Minnesotans can help by using electronic filing and direct deposit, which is the most secure and effective way to get your refund.”
Electronic filing and direct deposit
Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is the most secure way to get your refund. Last year, over two million Minnesota taxpayers used electronic software to file their taxes. Visit MDR’s website to learn more about electronic filing options.
Direct deposit is an easy and convenient way to get your refund. You can put your banking information on your tax return and get your refund deposited into your bank account and not have to worry about receiving your refund check in the mail.
Direct deposit is available to you whether you file your return electronically or by mail. Check out MDR’s website to learn more about the benefits of choosing direct deposit.
Fraud prevention
The department takes protecting your personal information and your tax refund very seriously. We work to combat identity theft-related tax fraud by taking the time necessary to review and verify the information on all tax returns to make sure the right refund goes to the right person. Visit MDR’s website to learn more about efforts to protect your information.
Track your refund
This tax season you will be able to track where your refund is in the process by using MDR’s improved Where’s My Refund? system. The improved system will help you learn where your refund is in the process. You will be able to track which of the four stages your refund is in and whether you need to take any action to allow MDR to complete the processing of your refund. You will see the date your refund was issued when it is finished processing.
Free tax help
You may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers at locations across Minnesota for your federal and state income tax returns. Qualified taxpayers are age 60 or older, disabled, speak limited or no English, or have income less than $54,000 per year.
Most free tax preparation sites are open Feb. 1 — April 15. Visit MDR’s website to find free tax preparation sites near you.
— Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Revenue — visit their website at mnrevenue@public.govdelivery.com. 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 their email subscription list.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.