Income tax filing season starts today; Minnesota Department of Revenue offers tips for tax filers

The deadline to file and pay is Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Minnesota taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today, Monday, January 26, 2026. This is the same date the Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting federal income tax returns. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file individual income tax returns and pay their state and federal income taxes.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers these helpful tips as taxpayers prepare to file:

• File electronically and choose direct deposit.
  E-filing your return and selecting direct deposit for your refund is the safest and fastest way to file. Last year, more than 94% of Minnesota taxpayers filed electronically. Learn more about your electronic filing options and the benefits of choosing direct deposit.
  
  
• Check if you qualify for free filing and tax preparation.
  If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $89,000 or less, you may be eligible to file electronically for free. Use the links on the department’s website to see if you qualify for free state and federal income tax filing.
  You may also qualify for free tax preparation. Starting in early February, over 200 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide sites will be available across Minnesota. Some offer in-person services, others virtual. Find more information about free tax preparation sites on the department’s website.
  
  
• Make sure to claim all tax benefits you are eligible for.
  Minnesota provides a variety of tax benefits for individuals. These include the Child Tax Credit, Working Family Credit, Renter’s Credit, and the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. Additional tax benefits are also available for military service members and their families. Information on these tax benefits and others can be found on the department’s Income Tax Credits webpage.
  
  
• Keep your receipts and tax documents.
  If you claim deductions or credits, include all required documentation when filing and keep copies for your records.
  
  
• Double-check for accuracy.
  Enter names exactly as they appear on Social Security or ITIN cards. Verify bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. Incorrect information can delay your refund.
  
  
• File your return by the April 15 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay.
  Pay as much as you can by the due date. You can include your banking information on your electronically filed return to make the payment or pay electronically with the e-Services Payment System. You can specify when the payment will be taken from your checking or savings account in advance or on the due date. If you do not pay the full amount, we will send you a bill for the remaining balance with options to pay.

After you file:

• Track Your Refund.
  You can track where your refund is in the process by using the Where’s My Refund? system. You will be able to track which of the four stages your refund is in and whether you need to take any action to allow us to complete the processing of your refund.
  
  
• Respond to correspondence if requested.
  The department may mail you a letter asking you to confirm your identity or provide documentation for various tax benefits you may have taken. Respond to these requests as soon as you can so the department can use the information to complete the review and process your return.
  
  
• Contact us if you move after filing your return.
  That way, 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.

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