Tuesday, April 15th is the income tax filing deadline

MADISON (WITI) -- Tuesday, April 15th is the state tax filing deadline. State income tax returns must be received or postmarked by midnight Tuesday, April 15.

State revenue officials urge tax filers to submit their tax return electronically to meet Tuesday's deadline.

Taxpayers can use the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's (DOR) free, secure electronic tax filing program, WI e-file. WI e -file is available 24/7 and offers Wisconsin fill-in tax forms that do the math to help prevent errors. You will get confirmation that your tax return has been received, plus your refund can be deposited directly into a savings or checking account.

Just go to revenue.wi.gov and click on the WI e-file button to get started.

If you will not meet the tax filing deadline, you must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15th to avoid penalties. Once you file the extension request, you will have until October 15, 2014, to file your tax return and pay your taxes without penalty. However, 1 percent interest will accrue each month on the amount due until you file.

Taxpayers who filed an extension with the IRS automatically receive a state extension. When you file your state income tax return, attach a copy of the IRS extension to your Wisconsin tax return to show that you filed the extension request. Remember to keep a copy of the IRS’ Federal Extension Form 4868 for your records.

You can check the status of your state income tax refund online, whether you filed electronically or in paper form. We provide the same information online and by telephone that our customer service representatives use to check the status of your refund. Visit revenue.wi.gov and click on “Where's My Refund” or call toll-free 866-947 7363 (WIS-RFND).