Tax Tip #1 for Tax Professionals - Preparing for the filing season

Welcome to the 2019 filing season! This year, we have even more tax tips in store for you. We will be sending you weekly tips from now through  mid-May.

Check out our online resources

 

With the electronic filing season opening January 28, 2019, the Minnesota Department of Revenue encourages tax professionals to learn about what’s new this year.

Our website has the tools you need to:

• Read about the latest tax law changes
• Find forms and instructions for current and prior year returns
• Sign up for email updates about various tax topics
• Look up state refunds received in 2018
• Learn about Error Rejection Codes
• Contact us by phone or email
• Read instructions for 2018 Individual Income Tax and 2018 Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and Renter's Property Tax Refund

Choose electronic filing and direct deposit

• Almost 90% of all Minnesota income tax returns were e-filed in 2018.
• 77% of all refunds were issued by direct deposit in 2018.

Electronic filing is the easiest and most convenient way to file your clients’ taxes, and direct deposit is the safest way for them to receive their refund. Before e-filing returns, you should wait until your software provider releases all final forms.

There is a $5 fee for each paper-filed return you could have filed electronically. For more information, see our Preparer’s Paper-Filing Fee fact sheet.

Have your clients check their withholding

 

As you meet and work with your clients, make sure they have the correct amount of Minnesota tax withheld from their pay. Your clients may complete Form W-4MN, Minnesota Employee Withholding Allowance/Exemption Certificate to determine their Minnesota withholding allowances.

For more information

Visit our website for more information on Minnesota Withholding for Individuals.

We look forward to serving you during this upcoming filing season. By learning about the tools and resources available to you now, you will start the filing season ready to answer your clients’ questions and get the information you need.