How to Use Wisconsin e-file
- How do I begin using Wisconsin e-file?
- Is there a registration process to use Wisconsin e-file?
- Must I submit copies of my W-2s, 1099s or other documents with my return?
- What if I don't have time to finish my tax return?
- If I have an amount owed, can I e-file my return now, but go back later to decide how to pay?
- Is there a limit on how much time I have to complete and e-file my tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
- What happens if I make a mistake using Wisconsin e-file?
- Must I round to the nearest dollar amount?
- How do I sign my income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
- How do I know the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has received my income tax return?
- How do I move through/navigate Wisconsin e-file?
- Can I electronically file a corrected individual income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
- How do I begin using Wisconsin e-file?
- Go to revenue.wi.gov/wi_efile/index.html.
- Open the INDIVIDUALS tab. Under ONLINE SERVICES, click on the WI e-file icon. From the list, choose the form you would like to complete, and start the filing process.
- Is there a registration process to use Wisconsin e-file?
No. There is no registration process.
You may use Wisconsin e-file if you:
- Have a valid social security number or individual tax identification number (ITIN); and.
- Meet the qualifications.
- Must I submit copies of my W-2s, 1099s or other documents with my return?
You must enter the data from your W-2s and 1099s into the Wisconsin e-file W-2s and 1099s.
If you file a Form 1 or 1NPR, you must attach a complete copy of your federal income tax return to your electronic return.
If you claim any of these credits, you must submit required documents using the Form W-RA within 48 hours of e-filing or you may attach them to your Wisconsin e-file return:
- Homestead credit;
- Net tax paid to another state credit;
- Eligible veterans and surviving spouse property tax credit; or
- Farmland preservation credit.
After you have submitted your electronic return, you should:
- Print and/or save a copy of your return;
- Keep copies of the W-2s, 1099s and other documents used to complete your return; and
- Keep all tax records and documents at least four years.
- What if I don't have time to finish my tax return?
Before closing your tax return, you must:
- Save it in a portable document format (PDF) or other storage device (CD, flash drive, etc.)
- Click "File" and "Save as"
- If I have an amount owed, can I e-file my return now, but go back later to decide how to pay?
No. You have to decide on one of the following ways to pay the amount you owe before you can e-file your return:
- Direct Debit/Withdrawal - You must provide the routing number of your financial institution, your account number, plus the date you want to make your payment, up to April 15th. If it's after April 15th, you have to pay on the day you e-file your return.
- Pay Online - You can pay using the department's free, online service.
- Pay by Credit Card —You can use American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA. A convenience fee will be charged (none of the fee goes to the department). You have to pay the same day you set up the credit card payment.
- Pay by check or money order — You have to complete and print a Form EPV (Electronic Payment Voucher). Send this form, along with your payment to the address listed on the form.
- Is there a limit on how much time I have to complete and e-file my tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
No. There is no time limit.
If you cannot complete your tax return, before closing your return, you must save it in a portable document format (PDF) or other storage device (disk, CD, flash drive, etc.) by clicking "File" and "Save as".
If you do not save your tax return to your computer or other storage device, your return will be lost and you will need to start over from the beginning.
- What happens if I make a mistake using Wisconsin e-file?
You can correct any mistakes, at any time before you submit your tax return. Simply type over or erase any mistakes.
If you realize you have made a mistake after you submitted and e-filed your return, you will have to complete and file a Form 1X, the Wisconsin amended individual income tax return. You can e-file a Form 1X by using Wisconsin e-file.
- Must I round to the nearest dollar?
Yes. To round to the nearest dollar amount, you need to:
- Drop amounts under 50 cents; and
- Increase amounts 50 cents to 99 cents.
- How do I sign my income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
You (and your spouse, if married filing joint) have to:
- Read the Signature Statement on the last page of the application; and
- Click the "Yes" button.
- How do I know the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has received my income tax return?
You have to click Submit Return
after any mistakes have been fixed and you are ready to e-file.You will be given a Confirmation Number, after your return has been successfully submitted. Your return has not been e-filed until you receive your confirmation number. You should print and save this number for four years.
Before you close your e-filed tax return, you should print and/or save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your computer or other storage device (disk, CD, flash drive, etc.) by clicking "File" and "Save as".
- How do I move through/navigate Wisconsin e-file?
You can move through and to your desired forms/fields within Wisconsin e-file by:
- using your scroll bar to move from top to bottom or bottom to top of each page;
- using Tab on your keyboard to go to the next field;
- clicking your mouse pointer to a select field; or
- using the arrow buttons on the toolbar to go from page to page.
- Can I electronically file a corrected individual income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
Yes. To correct your individual income tax return, use:
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Electronic Filing Unit
Mail Stop 5-77
P.O. Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 264-6886
Fax: (608) 267-1030
Email Additional Questions
Last updated January 9, 2013