Dept. of Revenue: Tax filing deadline is tomorrow

CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-2300

State revenue officials are encouraging people who have not yet filed their state income tax return to electronically file before tomorrow’s deadline. State income tax returns must be received or postmarked by midnight April 15th. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) expects approximately 3 million tax returns this season and about 70% of them will be filed electronically. Currently, the average refund is $676.

DOR offers free, secure electronic tax filing from its website at revenue.wi.gov. When you e-file, the program does the math for you based upon the information you provide. You will also receive an acknowledgement that your tax return has been received and your refund can be deposited directly into a savings or checking account.

To begin e-filing, you will need:

* Your federal return

* All documents about income you received during the year

* Legal names and social security numbers of everyone you’ll include on your return

* Charitable donations

* Homestead credit information (you will need to electronically transmit information from your property tax bill and/or rent certificate, whichever applies to you)

* Bank account information for direct deposit

If you will not meet the April 15th tax filing deadline, you must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15th to avoid penalties. Once you file the extension request, you will have until October 15th to file your tax return without penalty, although 1% interest each month will accrue on the amount due until you file. When you file your state income tax return, attach a copy of the IRS extension to your Wisconsin tax return to show that you filed the extension request.

If you need assistance, call 211 to find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site in your area. VITA/TCE sites help low-to-moderate income residents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities prepare their tax returns and most sites are open through April 15th.

Check Your Refund

Once you file your tax return, you may check the status of your refund by calling the DOR’s toll-free automated line at (866) 947-7363.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Customer Service: revenue.wi.gov or (608) 266-2772 or (414) 227-4000

Internal Revenue Service (federal): http://www.irs.gov/ or (800) 829-1040