The Iowa Department of Revenue is trying to reach as many taxpayers as possible about electronic filing of individual income tax returns. More than ever this year, electronic filing is important for fast refunds. The Department has fewer staff and no temporaries to help process paper returns because of budget constraints.
Online Free File options are an excellent option for taxpayers who do their own taxes. One option provides free preparation and e-filing of federal and Iowa returns to anyone who is 20 years old or younger. Another offers free filing of both returns if the household income is $31,000 or less. Taxpayers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit can file both returns online free. Two companies allow free filing for active-duty military with income of $57,000 or less. Additional Free File qualifications can be found on the Department’s Web site at www.iowa.gov/tax/ on January 15. Both the federal and Iowa returns must be e-filed at the same time to Free File.
Taxpayers who do not qualify to Free File will find links to companies that charge a fee. Fees start at $9.95 for both returns.
Five Tax Time Tips from the Iowa Department of Revenue
* Round-up Records: Gather your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, canceled checks, and other documents that show income or support a deduction you will take on your tax return.
* eFile Your Iowa and Federal Return: Iowa has reduced staffing and no temporary employees due to budget constraints. The fastest way to get your refund from both Iowa and the IRS is to file electronically. Choose direct deposit for an even faster refund.
* Check Out Free File: Go to Iowa’s Web site at www.iowa.gov/tax to see if you qualify to electronically file your Iowa and federal return free. If you do not qualify, take a look at the File for a Fee category to see how inexpensive it is to e-file.
* eFile through Your Tax Professional: Many tax preparers offer electronic filing at no extra charge.
* Review: We all make mistakes when we are in a hurry. Mistakes will slow down processing your return. Double-check your Social Security Number(s), county and school district information, and math calculations.
State News
Online Electronic Filing Good Option for Do-it-yourself Taxpayers
- State News
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Knoxville Journal-Express earns award
The Knoxville Journal-Express earned second place in the Master Columnist category in the Weeklies Class II Division at Friday's Iowa Newspaper Association convention.
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Flags ordered at half staff
Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from 5 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2012 until 8 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2012, in honor of Marine Corps Master Sgt. Travis Riddick, 40, formerly of Centerville, Iowa.
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Secretary of State Schultz visits Knoxville
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President Obama's State of the Union speech
The following is the text of President Obama's State of the Union address, delivered last night.
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Men sentenced for Boswell break-in
David Palmer Dewberry and Cody John Rollins were both sentenced today in Decatur County District Court for crimes committed during the break-in at Congressman Boswell’s farm home near Lamoni last July. -
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Iowa Film Critics pick "The Descendants"
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Gosselink seeks House District 28 seat
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Schrad announces Senate candidacy
Former city manager and community volunteer Dick Schrad announced today that he is running for the Iowa Senate. He will run in District 14, which includes all of Clarke, Decatur, Lucas and Wayne counties; most of Marion County, excluding the city of Pella, and also four townships in southern Jasper County including the towns of Monroe, Reasnor, Sully & Lynnville.
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Santorum takes Marion County, finishes second behind Romney
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum won the hearts of most Marion County Republicans, but finished eight votes behind Mitt Romney in the statewide Iowa Caucus.
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