Minnesota Individual Income Tax filing season opens January 26, 2026

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue will open the state Individual Income Tax filing season on Monday, January 26, 2026. This date matches the opening day for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The filing deadline to submit 2025 Minnesota and federal income tax returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Tax software providers and tax professionals may be accepting and preparing tax returns before January 26, but the returns will not be electronically filed until the filing season opening date. 

“As always, we encourage taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit for any refund they’re owed. This remains the most secure, accurate, and convenient way to file both state and federal tax returns,” said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “The department takes protecting your personal information and state tax dollars very seriously. We will take the time to review every return for accuracy and to ensure all taxpayers report, pay, and receive the right amount when filing their returns.”

Protect yourself by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit

Tax time is also primetime for identity theft and fraud attempts. Revenue encourages taxpayers filing their returns to use electronic tax filing software and choose direct deposit for any refund. In addition to being the most convenient and secure way to file your taxes, electronic filing also ensures that you have the most up-to-date forms and instructions when you file. A list of approved tax software providers will be available on the department’s website as the opening date gets closer. 

Learn more about your electronic filing options and the benefits of choosing direct deposit.

Minnesota Child Tax Credit

Taxpayers 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 2025 individual income tax return in order to claim the credit. 

Nearly 225,000 Minnesota families claimed the Child Tax Credit last year, putting more than $577 million into family budgets across the state. Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit is expected to reduce childhood poverty across the state by more than 30%.

Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage.

Advance payment option available for Child Tax Credit recipients

If a Child Tax Credit recipient chooses advance payments of their 2026 credit when filing their 2025 tax returns this filing season, they will receive a portion of their 2026 credit in three installments going out at the end of July, September, and November. They will receive the remaining portion of the credit amount when they file their 2026 income tax returns. 

Nearly 17,000 families chose to receive advance payments of their 2025 Child Tax Credit last year. The average advance payment was $448.

Learn more about advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.

Stay informed 

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook, Instagram, and on X (formerly Twitter) or by signing up for email alerts.