What to know about your Wisconsin tax return, including refund status in 2023

Ridah Syed, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·4 min read

With tax season upon us, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the different forms to file and deadlines to track. Here's a compilation of answers to Wisconsin-specific tax questions so that you receive your tax refund in a timely manner.

Wisconsin tax deadlines, key dates, extensions

The Internal Revenue Service is accepting and processing tax returns and the deadline to file your 2022 federal and Wisconsin state tax return is April 18. If you're filing a paper return, three conditions must be met for it to be considered filed on time:

  • The return is mailed in a correctly addressed envelope with prepaid postage.

  • The envelope containing the return is postmarked on or before the due date (April 18).

  • The return is received by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue within five days of the due date.

If your 2022 Wisconsin individual tax return is not filed by the deadline, you may be subject to a late-filing fee of $50, a delinquent interest of 1.5% per month and a negligence penalty of 5% per month of the tax required.

You may apply for an extension to apply, and if granted, the extension gives you until Oct. 18 to file.

What are the requirements for filing Wisconsin individual tax income?

Most Wisconsin adults who have lived in the state either full time or part time by the end of 2022 will be required to file individual income tax. Gross income, meaning the total income before taxes and benefits are taken out, may vary depending on your filing status.

You must pay taxes in Wisconsin if you fit the following parameters:

  • Single (under age 65) earned $12,490 or more (full time), $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Single (over age 65), $12,740 or more (full time), $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Married (both spouses under 65), $23,220 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Married (one spouse 65 or older), $23,470 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Married (both spouses over 65), $23,720 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Married, filing separately (under 65), $11,070 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Married, filing separately (over 65), $11,320 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Head of household (under 65), $15,930 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

  • Head of household (over 65), $16,180 or more, $2,000 or more (part time)

Additional filing requirements may apply if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.

How to file your Wisconsin taxes

For Wisconsin individual income tax returns, you have the option to use e-file or file a paper return. The Wisconsin DOR website has step-by-step instructions on which forms to download, complete and file securely online. For paper returns, you can download the necessary forms through the DOR and mail them directly by the tax deadline.

What documents do I need to file for Wisconsin state tax?

Wisconsin individuals will need to fill out a completed Form 1 copy of the federal income tax return in electronic format. Certain taxpayers may qualify to file their Form 1 in My Tax Account (MTA) instead of using Wisconsin e-file. Estates and trusts will need to fill out a Schedule CC (closing certificate) form and file with the same process.

How to check refund status

After filing your Wisconsin state tax return, you can check on the status of your refund through the DOR's "Where's my Refund" tool. You will need to provide the tax year, your social security number and the refund amount claimed. You can also check on your refund status via email by filling out this form through the DOR.

When to expect your Wisconsin tax refund

A Wisconsin state tax refund can be expected within three weeks of electronically filing your tax return. If you elected to file via paper return, your refund processing may take longer.

More:Here's why your Wisconsin tax refund may be delayed

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin 2023 tax return: Deadlines, refund status, dates to know