Minnesota Revenue urges shutdown-affected taxpayers to explore available tax options

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With the federal government shutdown entering its second month, the Minnesota Department of Revenue reminds those impacted of the various options available to lessen the negative effects of the shutdown. These include claiming previously unclaimed tax credits, amending previously filed returns to claim forgotten credits, and applying for relief from penalty and interest on tax payment agreements.

“The impacts of the federal government shutdown are being felt across the state of Minnesota, impacting both our federal workforce and those who depend on the federal government for critical services such as heating and nutrition assistance,” said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “The Minnesota Department of Revenue wants to meet this critical moment for taxpayers. We have resources available to help those taxpayers get valuable tax credits they may not have claimed previously as well as information for those struggling to make their tax payments due to the shutdown.” 

Didn’t have a tax filing obligation? You can still file and claim credits that you qualify for.

If you have not filed an individual income tax return, you can go back up to 3 1/2 years from the due date (typically April 15) to file and claim most income tax credits you qualify to receive. You can file a return and claim some credits, even if you do not have a tax filing obligation. Filing a tax return and claiming credits you are qualified to receive could result in a refund.

You may be able to claim credits like the:

• Child Tax Credit
• Renter’s Credit
• Working Family Credit

To learn more about specific credits and filing requirements, visit the Income Tax Credits webpage.

Forgot to claim a tax credit? You can file an amended return to get your tax benefit.

If you forgot to claim a credit on your Minnesota Individual Income Tax return after you filed it, you can file Form M1X, Amended Minnesota Income Tax, to correct it and claim the credit. Doing this may result in a refund.

To learn more about filing an amended return, visit the Amending an Income Tax Return webpage.

Owe Minnesota Revenue a debt and have trouble making payments due to the shutdown? Contact us to discuss your options.

If the federal government shutdown has impacted you financially and made you unable to pay for basic necessities, we’re here to help. Claiming a hardship looks different depending on the current situation of your collection:

• If we issued a wage levy to your employer, you may request a reduction of the amount withheld from your paycheck.
• If you received a bill and cannot pay in full, you may request a payment agreement to pay your debt through installment payments.
• If you cannot afford to pay in full or set up a payment agreement, you may request a temporary suspension of collection activity.

No matter your situation, we may ask for information about your income and expenses or supporting documentation to ensure we are meeting your needs.

To learn more about claiming a financial hardship, visit the Financial Hardship webpage or call us at 651-556-3003 or 800-657-3909.

Chose advance payment for your Child Tax Credit? Third and final payment will be coming earlier than expected.

The third and final advance payment for the 2025 Child Tax Credit will start reaching recipients in mid-November. More than 17,000 Minnesota families elected to receive advance payment of part of their 2025 credit to help meet their financial needs throughout the year. The average advance payment is $447.

Want to help and reduce your taxable income for this year? Take advantage of tax savings on charitable contributions over $500.

Not all Minnesotans are directly impacted by the federal government shutdown but may want to help those in need. Many Minnesota charities have stepped up to help those affected by the shutdown and would welcome charitable contributions. Under Minnesota law, if you do not itemize on your Minnesota return, you can take a subtraction for 50% of the amount of charitable contributions made over $500 for this tax year. This could reduce the amount of tax owed or increase a refund when filing your tax return in 2026.

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