Income tax filing season starts today
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today, Monday, January 29, 2024. This is the same date the Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting federal income tax returns. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 15, 2024, to file and pay their state and federal income taxes.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers tips to income tax filers as they prepare to file their tax returns:
- File a return to claim the new Child Tax Credit. Beginning with tax year 2023, you may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return to claim the credit. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage.
- File electronically and choose direct deposit. Electronically filing your return and choosing direct deposit for your refund is the most secure and convenient way to file your taxes and get your refund. Learn more about your electronic filing options and the benefits of choosing direct deposit.
See if you qualify for free tax preparation. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $79,000 or less, you may qualify to file electronically for free. Use the links on our website to see if you qualify for free state and federal income tax filing. 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. You can visit our website to find free tax preparation sites near you.
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 15 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.
After you file:
- Track Your Refund. You can track where your refund is in the process by using our Where’s My Refund? system. 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.
- Respond to correspondence if requested. The department may mail you a letter asking you to confirm your identity or provide documentation for various tax benefits you may have taken. Respond to these requests as soon as you can so we can use the information to complete our review and process your return.
- Contact us 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.
Property Tax Refunds
- 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, we cannot begin processing Property Tax Refunds before July 1. Check back later this year for updates on current year Property Tax Refunds.
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