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Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Refund and Payment Options

  1. What options do I have to receive my refund through Wisconsin e-file?
  2. What options do I have to pay my individual income tax due through Wisconsin e-file?
  3. What should I do if I cannot pay my tax due when I electronically file my individual income tax return?
  4. What happens if I file my income tax return on time, but fail to pay the amount owed by the filing deadline?
  5. Can I still file my income tax return using Wisconsin e-file after April 15th?
  1. What options do I have to receive my refund through Wisconsin e-file?

    Wisconsin e-file provides three options for receiving a refund:

    • Direct deposit to checking account. (Have your routing transit number and checking account number available when using this option.)
    • Direct deposit to savings account. (Have your routing transit number and savings account number available when using this option.)
    • Check mailed to the address on your return. (It will take longer to issue you a paper check.)

    NOTE: If you select one of the direct deposit options, in most cases, your refund will be deposited in 5 to 7 business days from the date filed.

  2. What options do I have to pay my individual income tax due through Wisconsin e-file?

    Wisconsin e-file provides three options for paying:

    • 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. You will be charged a convenience fee for this option. The Department of Revenue does not receive any portion of this fee.
    • 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 income tax return you filed.

  3. What should I do if I cannot pay my tax due when I electronically file my individual income tax return?

    If you cannot pay the amount you owe on your Wisconsin individual income tax return at the time you are filing, you are given the option to future date your payment up to and including April 15 using the direct debit/withdrawal option.

    You can pay by credit card; however, any payment made via credit card will be immediately charged to your credit card.

    If you do not want to make an electronic payment, you should print a Form EPV (Electronic Payment Voucher) to send with your payment at a later date. Make sure the social security number(s), complete name(s) and amount due match the data on the income tax return you filed. You should pay whatever amount you can before April 15 and you will be billed for the balance owed, plus any interest and/or penalties.

    Please remember that you must file your return by April 15th to avoid late filing fees and possible penalties, unless you have a valid extension of time to file or you qualify for a special condition for filing late; for example, filing late because of a presidentially-declared disaster. If you do not pay your balance due, you will be subject to interest imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for nonpayment or late payment of your tax liability. Penalties may be imposed also.

  4. What happens if I file my income tax return on time, but fail to pay the amount due by the filing deadline?

    An amount owed that is paid late is subject to interest and possibly penalties. You will receive a bill for any unpaid tax, interest and/or penalties.

  5. Can I still file my income tax return using Wisconsin e-file after April 15th?

    Yes. Wisconsin e-file will be available for you to use after April 15, whether you have a refund or you have an amount owed. To avoid any late filing fees, you need to have a valid extension of time to file or qualify for a special condition for filing late; for example, filing late because of a presidentially-declared disaster. Please remember that you may be subject to interest, penalties and other fees imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for late filing and nonpayment or late payment of your tax liability.

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