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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 15, 2016

Friday, April 15, 2016

Dear Friends,

It’s almost tax day. Here is some helpful information on filing your taxes and how to apply for your renters or homestead credit:

Taxes Tips - Tax Day is Monday, April 18

The 2016 income tax filing season ends at midnight on Monday, April 18, so you have a few extra days to file this year. Emancipation Day - a holiday in the District of Columbia - is being observed on Friday, April 15, pushing back the official filing day to the next business day – Monday, April 18. If you have not filed yet, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers these tips to help taxpayers:

  • E-file and choose direct deposit - the most secure and convenient way to file your taxes and get your refund.
  • Enter your name and any dependents names exactly as they appear on Social Security cards. Incorrect names or Social Security numbers can result in refund delays.
  • Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms for direct deposit. Incorrect account numbers can delay your refund.
  • Complete each form and carry totals to the correct lines. If you electronically file, the calculations are automatically done for you.
  • Do not staple or use paperclips on your paper return. Staples and paperclips on tax returns need to be removed by hand and can slow down processing.
  • If you move after filing your return, contact us right away so 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.

File your return by the April 18, 2016 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date and contact the Minnesota Dept. of Revenue as soon as possible to set up a payment plan for the remaining balance. Acting quickly can help to minimize any late payment penalties. For more information about making your payment electronically, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.

For more individual income tax filing tips, check out the Minnesota Department of Revenue Weekly Tax Tip video series.

Don’t Forget your Property Tax Refund or Renter’s Credit

As a friendly reminder, don’t forget to file for your Renter’s Property Tax or Homestead Credit Refund. To see if you qualify, take a look at the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Instruction Guide. The forms can be accessed here.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue also has information available on filing for free on their website. If you want to file yourself and wonder if you qualify for free electronic filing products or you want assistance from a free tax preparation site, visit this page.

Additionally, the IRS has free filing information available on their website. On the homepage of their website under the banner “Hot Topics” you will see a link entitled “Get Free Tax Preparation Help” or “Free File Tax Software”.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Sheldon Johnson