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Wisconsin Department of Revenue

How to Use Wisconsin e-file

  1. How do I begin using Wisconsin e-file?
  2. Is there a registration process to use Wisconsin e-file?
  3. Must I submit copies of my W-2s, 1099s or supporting documentation with my return?
  4. What should I do if I don’t have time to complete Wisconsin e-file before I have finished filing my return?
  5. Can I file my return now using Wisconsin e-file and return at a later time to select a payment option?
  6. Does Wisconsin e-file limit the amount of time I have to complete and file my tax return?
  7. What if I make a mistake using Wisconsin e-file?
  8. Am I required to round to the nearest dollar?
  9. How do I sign my individual income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?
  10. How do I know the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has received my income tax return?
  11. How do I move through/navigate Wisconsin e-file?
  12. Can I amend my individual income tax return online?
  1. How do I begin using Wisconsin e-file?

    From Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s home page at www.revenue.wi.gov, you should click the "WI e-file" logo. On the next page, you would select the income tax form type you will need to file: Form WI-Z, Form 1A or Form 1. If you are qualified to receive a homestead credit, you will need to select the Form 1A or Form 1 income tax form.

  2. Is there a registration process to use Wisconsin e-file?

    There is no formal Wisconsin e-file registration process. You may use Wisconsin e-file if you are a Wisconsin full year resident, have a valid social security number and meet the qualifications.

  3. Must I submit copies of my W-2s, 1099s or supporting documentation with my return?

    When filing your Wisconsin individual income tax return using Wisconsin e-file, you will be required to enter information from these documents in order to complete your return. Once you complete your Wisconsin e-filing, the Department requires no additional forms to be sent to us, except if you are claiming the homestead credit. If you claim a homestead credit, you must submit the required documents within 48 hours of filing. If you are filing a Wisconsin Form 1, you must attach a complete copy of your federal income tax return with your electronic filing. How do I attach a copy of my federal return?

    We suggest that you print and/or save a copy of your return after you have submitted your electronic filing and received your confirmation number. Retain your copy with all other records used to prepare your return, including W-2 and 1099 documents. Keep these records for at least four years from the date you filed your return. Your tax return may be reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If your return is reviewed, you must be able to prove all claims and items listed on your return.

  4. What should I do if I don’t have time to complete Wisconsin e-file before I have finished filing my return?

    You must choose to save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your PC or other storage device (disk, CD, etc.). Simply select "File" and "Save As" while using Wisconsin e-file.

  5. Can I file my return now using Wisconsin e-file and return at a later time to select a payment option?

    No. You must select a payment option before you are allowed to electronically submit your income tax return using Wisconsin e-file. You can select the following payment options:

    • Direct Debit/Withdrawal — This option allows you to file now and pay electronically anytime through April 15th. If you file after April 15th, you still have the option to choose direct debit/withdrawal and pay on the day that you file your return.
    • Pay by Credit Card — This option allows you to pay through a credit card. Accepted credit cards include American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA. You cannot post-date a credit card payment. Pay by credit card here.
    • Pay by check or money order — This option allows you to pay by check or money order. You will have to complete and print a Form EPV (Electronic Payment Voucher). Make sure the social security number(s), complete name(s) and amount due match the data on the income tax return you filed.

  6. Does Wisconsin e-file limit the amount of time I have to complete and file my tax return?

    No. There is no limit. If you cannot complete your tax return, you can choose to save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your PC or other storage device (disk, CD, etc.). Simply select "File" and "Save As" while using Wisconsin e-file. If you don’t choose to save your return to your PC or other storage device and you close out of Wisconsin e-file, your return will be lost and you will need to start your filing over.

  7. What if I make a mistake using Wisconsin e-file?

    You can correct any errors on your return at any time before you file your return. Simply type over your error and continue. Even if you have completed entering your information and you are viewing your calculated return, Wisconsin e-file provides you with the ability to modify your information before you file.

    If you realize you have made an error after e-filing your return, you will be required to file a Form 1X, Wisconsin Amended Individual Income Tax Return.

  8. Am I required to round to the nearest dollar?

    Yes. Wisconsin e-file requires you to round to the nearest whole dollar. To do so, drop any cents less than 50 cents and increase greater than 50 cents to the next higher dollar.

  9. How do I sign my individual income tax return using Wisconsin e-file?

    After you have read the declaration statement on the last page of the application, simply select the "Yes" button. If you are married filing a joint income tax return, both you and your spouse must read the declaration statement and select the "Yes" button.

  10. How do I know the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has received my income tax return?

    Please be aware that until you select Submit Return button and have no filing errors, you have not filed your return. Once you have electronically filed your return, Wisconsin e–file will give you a confirmation number as verification and show your return as filed. You should print and save this information for your records for four years. You can choose to save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your PC or other storage device (disk, CD, etc.). Simply select "File” and “Save As” before you close out of Wisconsin e-file.

  11. 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.

  12. Can I amend my individual income tax return online?

    No. At this time, Wisconsin e-file only allows you to file an original Wisconsin individual income tax return.

    If you realize you have made an error after e-filing your return, you will be required to file Form 1X, Wisconsin Amended Individual Income Tax Return.

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) 264-7776
E-Mail Additional Questions

Last updated January 14, 2009