ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota taxpayers can begin filing their state income tax returns today, Friday, February 12, 2021. This is the same date the Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting federal income tax returns. Taxpayers have until Thursday, April 15, 2021, to file and pay their state and federal income taxes.

The department offers tips to income tax filers as they prepare to file their taxes:

• Save your receipts and other tax-related documents. If you claimed certain deductions or credits, be sure to include all required documentation when filing and save copies in case you need to reference them in the future.

• File your return by the April 15, 2021 due date, even if you owe more than you can pay. Pay as much as you can by the due date and contact us as soon as possible to set up a payment agreement for the remaining balance. You can include your banking information on your electronically filed return to make the payment or pay electronically with our 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.

• Military members can now electronically submit Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. Created based on feedback from military service members, the electronic submission of this form is an easy way for service members to claim this credit.  

After you file:

• Track Your Refund. You can track where your refund is in the process by using our 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. You will see the date your refund was issued when it has finished processing.

• 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.

• Do not spend your refund until you see the money in your bank account. Returns may take longer to process because of the increase in attempted refund fraud due to scams, stolen personal information, and identity theft. The department will take the time necessary to review returns to make sure we are keeping your money out of the hands of criminals. Learn more about our efforts to protect your information.

Property Tax Refunds

• Wait to track your Property Tax Refund. Many taxpayers file their property tax returns at the same time as their income tax returns. By law, we cannot begin processing Property Tax Refunds before July 1. Check back later this year for updates on current year Property Tax Refunds.

In-person services

• We're offering limited in-person services at our St. Paul office on weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our service desk will accept and process payments by check, money order, or cash. Visit our website for more information about the services available.

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