Income tax filing deadline is today

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The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that the 2010 individual income tax filing deadline is today.

The department expects 2.6 million Minnesotans to file income tax returns this year and approximately 2.1 million have filed their 2010 income tax returns so far. More than 1.8 million of those returns were e-filed. To date, e-filing is up 4 percent from last year.

“Last year, we received nearly 2 million e-filed returns – the highest amount ever. This year we are on our way to breaking that record,” Minnesota Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans said.

Refund status information is available 24 hours a day through our online refund tracking system: https://www.mndor.state.mn.us/WheresMyRefund. Taxpayers can also call our automated refund tracking line at 651-296-4444 (metro) or 1-800-657-3676 (greater Minnesota).

The due date for filing state returns is extended this year to April 18 because the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, DC fell on April 15.

E-file benefits

Filing electronically can greatly expedite refunds. It eliminates the hassle of calculators, finding forms and a last-minute trip to the post office. E-filing is safe, accurate, fast and easy.

For those who have not yet filed and are looking for a free or low-cost option, the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s website features several ways to electronically prepare and file tax returns. Nearly 7 out of 10 Minnesota taxpayers qualify for free e-filing. To find out if you qualify, visit our website at www.taxes.state.mn.us .

Fast refunds: Taxpayers choosing to file electronically and receive their refunds through direct deposit will receive their refunds in the shortest amount of time. Paper returns may take more than 30 days to process.

Filing requirements: You must file a Minnesota income tax return if you are a Minnesota resident and are required to file a federal income tax return. If you are a part-year resident or nonresident of Minnesota, you must file if your Minnesota gross income was $9,350 or more. Your 2010 Minnesota return must be electronically filed, postmarked by or brought to the Department of Revenue’s drop box no later than midnight.

File now to avoid penalty: If you owe tax, you can e-file and pay the tax due by the end of today. Electronically paying your tax is a quick, paperless transaction. If you do not pay by the end of today, you face penalties and interest. Keep in mind that an additional fee will be applied when payments are charged to credit cards.

Where to get help: If you can’t find answers on the department’s website, email the department at: indinctax@state.mn.us or call the taxpayer assistance line at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Need more time? If you are unable to complete and file a return by the due date, you may avoid penalty and interest by paying your tax by the end of today. Estimate your total tax and pay the amount you owe electronically, by check or credit card. To avoid a late filing penalty, you must file your return by October 15, 2011.

Taxpayers unable to pay the full tax amount due should file their return and pay what they can by the end of today. Once they receive a bill, these taxpayers should also contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-556-3003 or 1-800-657-3909 to work out payment arrangements.

The deadline to file 2010 individual income tax returns is by midnight, Monday, April 18.

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