Tax Season Opens January 29

Last updated on Tuesday, January 23, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will open the 2018 individual income tax filing season on January 29, 2018. The last day of tax season is scheduled for April 17, 2018.

Hoosier taxpayers and preparers may submit their state and federal filings prior to the January 29 date, with the understanding the filings will not be formally accepted until both systems are open.

"Tax season can be a trying time for our customers," said DOR Commissioner Adam Krupp. "DOR is working to provide important information to customers that may help ease the stress and ensure this tax season is an easy one.

"DOR has compiled a list of tax tips through collaboration with various tax professionals--both external and internal--to better understand the common mistakes or areas of concern customers deal with that may prolong the processing of a return or delay a refund. We want to ensure Hoosiers have all the tools they need to file their taxes this season."

The following tax tips were identified:

Use the correct forms. Incorrect or outdated forms submitted will cause delay or be sent back.
Always file state taxes, even if you are under the $1,000 threshold or don't expect a refund.
Organize your records and don't file your taxes until you have all your income statements and appropriate documentation.
File your taxes electronically, if possible, as this process is faster and more accurate.
Check to ensure your return is complete and correct. Write clearly and use blue or black ink.
If you claimed certain deductions or credits, be sure to include all required documentation.
Make and save copies of all relevant paperwork submitted, in case you need to reference them later.
Be sure to send state returns to DOR. Federal returns go to the IRS.
Don't duplicate your filing. Filing more than once causes further delay in the refund process.
If you receive any correspondence from DOR, don't ignore it! Please respond accordingly and quickly.

"Our helpful tax tips may seem simple, but minor mistakes can have a major impact. We encourage taxpayers to take their time to file."

For the fastest processing, DOR recommends Hoosiers file their taxes electronically. E-filed returns usually have two weeks of processing time versus up to 12 weeks for paper forms. Electronic filing is also more secure and accurate, with an error rate of only two percent.

For some Hoosiers, filling electronically could be free. In fact, nearly two million Indiana taxpayers will qualify to file their federal and state income taxes online for free using Indiana free file (INfreefile) in 2018. If the taxpayer's adjusted gross income is less than $66,000, they may qualify for no-cost filing.

Hoosiers can visit freefile.dor.in.gov to see if they qualify for INfreefile. For more information, customers may visit the website at dor.in.gov or call DOR Customer Service at 317-232-2240, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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