Income tax filing season kicks off Monday

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns on Monday.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will also begin accepting federal income tax returns.

Taxpayers will have until Tuesday, Apr. 18 to file and pay state and federal income taxes.

The IRS has offered tips to income tax filers:

  • File electronically and choose direct deposit. Electronically filing a return and choosing direct deposit for a refund is the most secure and convenient way to file taxes and get your refund.
  • See if you qualify for free tax preparation. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $73,000 or less, you may qualify to file electronically for free. 
  • Save your receipts and other tax-related documents. If you claim certain deductions or credits, be sure to include all required documentation when filing and save copies in case you need to reference them in the future.
  • Check for accuracy. Enter your 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.
  • File your return by the April 18 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date. You can include your banking information on your electronically filed return to make the payment or pay electronically with our e-Services Payment System. You can specify when the payment will be taken from your checking or savings account in advance or on the due date. If you do not pay the full amount, we will send you a bill for the remaining balance with options to pay.

You may also qualify for free tax preparation for your returns. Beginning at the end of January, free tax preparation sites will be available across Minnesota through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs. Some sites offer in-person options while others offer virtual services.

Residents of Olmsted County can now schedule a tax appointment with VITA. Appointments will occur February 1 through April 18, 2023. VITA aids nearly 2,000 households in Olmsted County to file their income taxes every year.

RELATED: VITA Tax Aid program to make appointments for 2022 tax filing beginning Monday

After you file:

  • Track Your Refund. You can track where your refund is in the process by using our Where’s My Refund? 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 us to complete the processing of your refund. You will see the date your refund was issued when it has finished processing.
  • Contact the IRS if you move after filing your return. That way, anything sent to you will reach you, such as refund checks or requests for more information. You should do this even when requesting a direct deposit. Call us at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 (toll-free) to change your address.

For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue, HERE.