Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) wants residents of Douglas and Otter Tail counties to know some simple tips for tax season in Minnesota including how to avoid fraud and resources available for free tax filing and assistance preparing returns.

“With tax season well on the way I wanted to provide a few suggestions and tips for Minnesotans still working on their filings,” said Senator Ingebrigtsen. “I would encourage everybody in Senate District 8 to take a look at the suggestions offered below in order to make sure that they handle their taxes in the easiest and safest way possible.”

• See if you qualify for free tax preparation. Over 64 percent of Minnesota taxpayers qualify for free tax preparation. You may be eligible to file electronically for free if your Adjusted Gross Income is $66,000 or less. There are over 200 free tax preparation sites available across Minnesota through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Tax-Aide programs.
• File electronically and choose direct deposit. The Minnesota Department of Revenue says this is the most secure and convenient way to file and get your refund.
• Check for accuracy. The Minnesota Department of Revenue advises taxpayers to make sure their name, and any dependents’ names, are entered exactly as they appear on Social Security Cards, Individual Identification Number cards or letters, as well as double checking bank routing and account numbers used for direct deposit.
• Saving receipts and other tax-related documents. The Minnesota Department of Revenue says these are important to save in case you need to reference them in the future.
• Contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue if you move after filing your return. That way, refund checks or requests for additional information will reach you. Call 1-651-296-3781 or 1-800-652-9094 to report a change of address.
• File by April 15, even if you owe more than you can pay. Paying as much as you can by the due date and setting up a payment agreement for the remaining balance is important. You can include banking information on the electronically-filed return to make the payment or pay electronically with the MDH’s e-Services Payment System.
• Track your refund after you file. You can do that by using the MDH’s Where’s My Refund? system.
• Do not spend your refund until you see the money in your bank account. Returns may take longer to process because of the increase in attempted refund fraud through scams, stolen personal information and identity theft.