Now Open: Individual Income Tax Season in Arizona

The State of Arizona’s individual income tax filing season for tax year 2020 has opened. The deadline to file and pay is April 15.

The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) encourages taxpayers to file electronically and have refunds direct deposited to help reduce errors and the potential for tax fraud. During the last tax filing season, about 90 percent of Arizona individual income tax returns were e-filed.

ADOR diligently works to process income tax refunds as quickly as possible. However, please be advised:

• If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you can look for your refund within a couple weeks* of the return acceptance.
• If you file a paper return, you can anticipate your refund within 6-8 weeks* of the date you filed.

*Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft and therefore extra processing time may be necessary.

Taxpayers can view a list of software providers certified to submit electronically filed returns with the department and access Arizona tax forms and instructions (including instruction booklets) on the Department of Revenue’s website. Instruction booklets will also be available at ADOR offices and local libraries.

To avoid delays, here are some tips for taxpayers:

• E-file and designate any refund for direct deposit to your bank.
• If filing a paper return, use black ink and print on white paper.
• Verify you are using the correct tax year form by looking at the upper right corner. 
• Ensure all the necessary lines and forms are filled out properly.
• Don't misspell names or use two different names.
• Make sure key information like your tax ID number, Social Security number, routing number, or account number are correct in all the appropriate boxes.
• Double-check to ensure you have all the information and supporting documentation.
• Do not staple any items to the return. Do not staple any documents, schedules or payments to your return.
• Don't forget to sign and date your return.
• If sending a paper payment, include your voucher, as the department needs your Social Security number or employee identification number, along with the tax period and tax type.

Free Tax Preparation Services Available to Taxpayers

Taxpayers requiring additional assistance this tax filing season can take advantage of the following free tax filing services:

• Free File Alliance – Offers a free file program to Arizona taxpayers who meet certain criteria. Visit https://azdor.gov/e-services/free-electronic-filing-individuals for more information. 
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – Offers free tax help to people who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. For more information, please visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide – Offers free assistance to individuals 50 and older who cannot afford a tax preparation service to file federal and Arizona returns. For more information, go to www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.

Note: Due to COVID-19, some tax preparation services may not offer in-person assistance but rather drop-off or virtual assistance.  Contact tax preparer for availability. 

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Tuesday, February 16, 2021