Wisconsin tax filing deadline fast approaching

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- With less than two weeks left to file income tax returns, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) recommends that taxpayers not wait until the last minute to file. Returns must be received or postmarked by midnight on Monday, April 15.

"We process around three million returns annually," notes Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. "Around a half million returns came in the last two weeks. Our season total is just under two million, so activity is really picking up. The March lull is definitely over."

  • Use self-service options. The individual income tax page has answers to common questions about preparing your tax return, tax credits and much more.
  • Call customer service during off-peak hours at 608.266.2772. The Department of Revenue's customer service hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    • Customer service is busiest between: 7:45-9:00 and 11:00-1:00
    • The best days to call are Thursday and Friday
    • The best times to call are 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-4:00
  • Download the WI Revenue mobile app (available in the Apple and Android app stores) and watch tax assistance videos, check the status of your return or refund, find VITA sites, take action if you received an ID Verification letter and more.
  • Please note: DOR will not contact you by telephone or email regarding your income tax return. If the Department needs more information to verify items on your return, it will contact you by letter.
  • File an extension request with the IRS if you won't make the April 15 deadline. You must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15 to avoid late filing penalties. Go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov and search "extension" for more information. Taxpayers who file an extension request with the IRS automatically receive an extension from the state. Keep a copy of the IRS federal extension application (Form 4868) for your records. Please keep in mind that even if you have an extension of time to file your return, you will owe interest on any tax not paid by April 15. You can avoid interest charges during the extension period by paying any estimated amount owed by April 15, using a 2018 Wisconsin Estimated Tax Voucher.
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