CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-2300
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) encourages people to electronically file (e-file) their income tax returns this tax season. DOR expects about three million tax returns this year and offers the top five tax season tips to help make it easier to file your income tax return:
1 E-file your income tax return. E-filing helps make tax time easier, and it’s more secure and faster that filing on paper – your return can’t get lost in the mail! When you e-file:
* You are sent a confirmation that we have received your return
* You can have your refund directly deposited into your account
* Programs do the math based upon the information you put on each line, which helps prevent errors when you prepare the return
* DOR offers a free e-file program called Wisconsin e-file which is available 24/7 at revenue.wi.gov.
2 Try direct deposit or pay online. Deposit your refund directly into your savings or checking account. If you e-file but normally ask for a paper check, try direct deposit this year. You can also make tax payments online using the free, secure Pay Online option on our website. No registration is required, and you can schedule your payment on or before April 17. Our application to pay online is available at tap.revenue.wi.gov/pay.
3 Use our website. Our website at revenue.wi.gov has information and self-service options to help you file your income tax return. You will find links to forms and instructions, as well as helpful videos on a variety of tax topics.
4 Find tax filing help. If you need help filing your tax return, call 211 to find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site in your area. The individuals who help prepare your tax return at these sites are trained volunteers.
5 File by April 17, 2012. The deadline is a few days later than normal because April 15 falls on a Sunday, and Monday, April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C.
