State income tax returns must be received or postmarked by midnight April 18th. With the income tax filing deadline a week away, state revenue officials are reminding people that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue offers free Wisconsin income tax electronic filing from its website. E-filing is a secure and easy-to-use option.
“We find that once people try e-filing, they do not want to go back to paper,” said Secretary Richard G. Chandler. “With e-filing, you can get your refund in days and it can be deposited directly into a savings or checking account. Our Wisconsin e-file is a free, secure-e-file option that does the math for you and sends you a confirmation that your return has been received so you’re confident you made the tax filing deadline.”
To begin, go to the Department’s website at www.revenue.wi.gov and click on the Wisconsin e-file logo.
If you owe taxes, you can make the payment using electronic funds transfer.
If you need help filing your tax return, call 2-1-1 to find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site in your area. These sites help low-to-moderate income residents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities prepare their tax returns. If you live in the Milwaukee area, call 414-227-3887 to schedule an appointment at the Department of Revenue office for free Homestead Credit help.
Filing An Extension
If you will not meet the April 18th tax filing deadline, you must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 18th to avoid penalties. Once you file the extension request, you will have until October 15, 2011, to file your tax return and pay your taxes without penalty. However, 1% interest will accrue each month on the amount due until you file.
Taxpayers who filed an extension with the IRS automatically receive a state extension. When you file your state income tax return, attach a copy of the IRS extension to your Wisconsin tax return to show that you filed the extension request. Be sure to keep a copy of the IRS’ Federal Extension Form 4868 for your records.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue expects approximately 3 million tax returns this season and about 75 percent of them will be filed electronically. Currently, the average refund is $667.
Below are additional customer service numbers:
Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Customer Service
http://www.revenue.wi.gov/
Individuals: 608-266-2772
Businesses: 608-266-2776
Check Status of Your State Income Tax Refund
Madison: 608-266-8100
Milwaukee: 608-227-4907
Toll-free: 866-947-7363 (866-WIS-RFND)
VITA/TCE locations
Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state
