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DOR > About DOR > Resources > Tax Talk Blog > Last minute tax filing checklist Last minute tax filing checklist

It’s down to the wire! No, not the NCAA men’s basketball championship . . . though it’s in our Hoosier nature for basketball to come first to mind. We’re talking about tax season. We’re just days away from the April 15 deadline, and for all those procrastinators out there, here are a few last-minute tips to help you make that tax goal before the clock runs out.

  • File electronically – If you’ve filed taxes in Indiana in the past, then you’re eligible to file using I-File, the state’s fast, friendly and free online filing program. Similar to tax software, it walks you through every aspect of filing your state tax return, from determining what filing status you are, to what form you should file, to what exemptions and deductions to which you’re entitled, etc. Most people who use I-File complete their returns within 30 minutes or less. And if you’re expecting a refund, electronic filing is the fastest route. Most taxpayers with direct deposit have received their tax refunds this season in three to seven days on average. In short, electronic filing is a winner all the way around.

Below are a few changes this year that could affect you, so don’t drop the ball on reading these:

  • What’s NEW for Indiana
    • Military
      • Regular deduction increased from $2,000 to $5,000
      • NEW deduction for National Guard (when federalized) and Indiana Reserves (called up for active duty) – ALL income deductible on Indiana return.
    • Renters – deduction increased from $2,500 to $3,000
    • Read tax instruction booklet (pg. 18) to see how to treat a property tax rebate (differs based on circumstances) if claiming the homeowner’s property tax deduction.

If you’re in the military, there are additional resources you may want to check out regarding your Indiana state income taxes:

  • Information Bulletin 27, extensions, taxability of income, deductions, and a range of information for those serving in the military.
  • If serving in a combat zone, check out combat zone issues for tax information specific to your situation.

Finally, here are a few additional tips to help you work through some of the finer points of the filing game:

  • Direct deposit – Electronic filing combined with a direct deposit could get your refund to you in as few as 7 to 10 days – or even sooner!
  • Extension of time to file – Can’t file by April 15? Are you missing a W-2, need a K-1, spouse out of town? If so, then follow these steps:
    • Figure how much you expect to owe.
    • Pay 90 percent by April 15.
      • Pay online by credit card or electronic check, visit www.in.gov/dor/epay
      • Download Form IT-9, figure how much you owe and mail in your payment.
    • File your tax return by June 15 (waives penalty – interest is always due on amounts paid after April 15)
  • If mailing your tax return (or extension payment) in the late evening hours of April 15, call the U.S. Postal Service ahead of time. While several branches used to stay open until midnight on tax day, last year only a handful did.
  • Can’t pay? Then follow this process:
    • File tax return by April 15 even if you can’t pay total amount due (or anything, for that matter).
    • Pay as much as you can when you file.
    • We’ll send a bill; then, contact us to discuss payment plan options.
  • Planning to file by paper. Go back and read the section in this blog title “File electronically.” But if paper filing is your comfort zone, then look for Indiana forms online at www.in.gov/dor

Finally, it bears repeating: you can prepare and file your state tax return online using Indiana’s fast, friendly and free I-File program. Electronic filing is 99 percent accurate, while up to 20 percent of paper filed-returns have errors. And those errors can add up to costly penalties and interest down the road. I-File and the IRS’s e-File programs will ensure your tax return aligns with new tax laws, is free of math errors and will even choose the right form to file.

In fact, we have a special I-File cheer in these parts: “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar, all for filing your Indiana tax return online (for free), stand up and holler, Hey, hey! Hey, hey!”

File electronic!

If you would like to submit a question or topic suggestions, please send those to feedback@dor.in.gov.

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