Dear Friend,
The Department of Revenue is encouraging tax filers to file online and use direct deposit, that way you can reduce errors and ensure a quicker refund. Many tax filers can use free software to file online. A wealth of information on that can be found here.
Also, when you are filling out your Minnesota taxes, please remember that you can help Minnesota's non-game wildlife just by "looking for the loon" and checking a box on your state income or property tax return. In addition, you can also participate in the political process for free by designating $5 of state money on your Minnesota income tax form to help pay campaign expenses for candidates running for state offices.
Chickadee Checkoff for the Environment
Contributions from the "Chickadee Checkoff" fund the DNR Nongame Wildlife Fund that supports conservation projects and helps more than 1,000 species of non-game animals in the state. These projects include habitat restorations, surveys & monitoring, technical guidance, and outreach and education - including the Eagle and Falcon cams.
Contributing is easy. On your Minnesota tax form (M-1) or property tax form (M1-PR), look for the line with the loon symbol and fill in the amount of your donation. If you are entitled to a refund, your refund is reduced by the amount of the donation, and your donation is tax deductible on the following year's tax return if you itemize deductions. If you owe money, your donation is added to the balance due. It's easy, it's fast, and it's tax deductible!
So look for the loon and support Minnesota's non-game wildlife!
The loon marks the line where you can help preserve Minnesota s wildlife! Your donation makes a difference!
Reduce Big Money in Elections
You can also do your part to reduce the reliance on big money and corporate influence in state elections by designating $5 on your income tax form to help state candidates. The purpose of the State Elections Campaign Fund is to limit the overall spending for election campaigns by providing an optional public subsidy to reduce a candidate's reliance on large contributors. Taxpayers can contribute to the following parties: Democratic-Farmer-Labor, Republican, Independent, Grassroots, and Libertarian, or designate the General Campaign Fund where the money is disbursed among the parties. The check-off box is toward the top of your Minnesota state return (3rd entry down). Instructions on your form M-1 explain the process:
You may designate $5 of state money to go to help candidates for state offices pay campaign expenses. To designate, find the party of your choice in the list provided on your return and enter the corresponding code number where indicated. If you choose the general campaign fund, the $5 will be distributed among candidates of all major parties listed on Form M1. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse may also designate a party. Designating $5 will not reduce your refund or increase your tax.
Thank you for doing your part to protect Minnesota wildlife and to reduce the reliance on big money in Minnesota elections
I hope you’ll choose to donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund and help keep corporate influence out of our elections!
Sincerely,
Phyllis Kahn