If you have recently arrived in Minnesota, are hoping to take up permanent residence after your visit, or have worked within the state, you should be aware of the state tax laws and requirements for the state. Minnesota requires people who have worked or lived in Minnesota to file a state tax return, using the Individual Income Tax Form M1.
However, you should be aware that some situations require special tax forms and filings, so you should consult a qualified Minnesota tax professional for more accurate advice regarding taxes in the state. The Minnesota Department of Revenue also has more tax information for individuals, businesses, and tax preparers on its website.
How to File Your Minnesota Tax Return
The state of Minnesota accepts tax returns filed electronically and recommends that you file electronically. E-filed returns must be filed using tax filing software. The Minnesota Department of Revenue maintains a list of tax software, some of which can be used entirely online, while others are software packages that can be installed on your computer.
Another option for filing your tax forms is to print them from the Department of Revenue website, fill them out, and then mail them to the state office. Alternatively, you can have a professional tax preparer complete and file your taxes for you.
Please note that in any of these situations, additional fees may apply for filing federal and state taxes. Here is the link to the M1 Individual Income Tax form that you need to fill out, and any other forms you may need.
Getting help preparing tax returns
Tax professionals are generally the best source of help with a federal or state tax return, but many people don’t know how to find the right tax professional for their unique tax situations; You can search for the nearest free tax preparation site at the Minnesota Department of Revenue or search for tax preparation services in other languages.
If you are filing electronically, the filing will cost you what the tax preparation software charges you. However, on paper tax returns, there is no charge to file your returns, except for the cost of mailing on the return itself. Also, if your income is below certain limits, if you are disabled, or if you speak limited English, you may qualify for free tax preparation assistance.
Depending on your age and income, you can file your Minnesota state and federal tax returns for free. The Minnesota Department of Revenue maintains a list of tax preparation software that allows free filing if you meet the conditions. If you are eligible, you must access the software via the link on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website in order to apply for free.
Minnesota Property Tax Refunds and Refund Schedule
Tenants in Minnesota may qualify for a refund of a percentage of the property tax that the landlord paid on the building in which they live. If you are a qualified tenant, it can be a hefty refund and you will need to submit a Certificate of Rent Paid Paper Form (CRP) that the landlord should have given you, along with a copy of the M1PR, property tax refund form. Here’s more information on filing Minnesota property tax refunds, including forms, filing dates, and when to expect your refund.
If you file electronically, you can receive your refund within a few weeks or up to 60 days after filing, while paper forms generally take a few weeks longer than an electronic filing return due to the longer processing time required.
To find out the status of your Minnesota state tax refund, use the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund page – you’ll need your social security number and the dollar amount of the refund you are requesting.
Requesting an Extension on a Minnesota State Tax Return
If you can’t complete and file your taxes before the deadline, usually April 15, you can get a six-month extension, and you don’t even need to submit a form to request an extension (although you may need to submit a form to request a federal tax extension).
If you anticipate owing taxes, you must pay at least 90% of the amount due before the filing deadline, or penalties and interest will apply. Here’s more information on how to pay estimated taxes and late filing dates.
