Deadline to file individual income taxes coming up
Arizona Department of Revenue has suite of support programs
The deadline to file tax year 2018 individual income tax returns is April 15 and the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) has a number of support resources in place to assist taxpayers.
ADOR encourages electronic filing as it is more secure, more efficient and faster than paper returns. Average processing times for refunds from e-filed returns are currently six days compared 12 days for refunds from paper returns.
- E-File - Visit the department’s E-File Services page at https://azdor.gov/e-file-services to view the list of software providers certified to submit electronically filed returns with ADOR. The department encourages tax filers to e-file their individual income taxes.
- Online Forms - Arizona offers fillable forms that are online versions of tax forms designed for taxpayers who prefer to prepare their own returns. Arizona forms and instructions are available to print at https://www.azdor.gov/Forms.
Individual income tax filers needing additional assistance this tax filing season are reminded they may qualify for free tax preparation options that are available in the state.
- Free File Alliance – Offers a free file program to Arizona taxpayers who earned $66,000 or less in 2018. Please 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 $55,000 or less, persons 60 years old or older with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. For more information and to take advantage of this program, please visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program – Offers free assistance to individuals 50 and older who cannot afford a tax preparation service to file federal and Arizona returns. AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income restrictions. For more information and to take advantage of this program, please visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.
After you file:
- Where’s My Refund? Taxpayers can check on the status of their refunds by clicking the “Where’s My Refund?” link https://aztaxes.gov/Home/CheckRefund.
- Direct Deposit - Direct deposit is an easy and convenient way for a taxpayer to get their refund. Direct deposit is available whether the return is filed electronically or by mail.
Taxpayers requiring more time to file their returns can fill out Form 204 for a six-month extension. This form needs to be submitted by the April 15 deadline. As a reminder, an extension does not grant a taxpayer more time to pay tax owed. If a taxpayer has already been granted an extension through the IRS, an Arizona extension is not required.
Check out ADOR’s website at www.azdor.gov for additional information on tax filing requirements, instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.