1. Why is my credit claim being reviewed?
   
   
2. How long does the review take?
   
   
3. Any tips for completing the review?
   
   
4. What documents are needed for review?
   
   
5. Why was my credit adjusted or denied?
   
   
6. [Earned income credit] Why do you need original or certified copies of birth certificates?
   
   
7. [Homestead credit] Why do I need a rent certificate or property tax bill?
   
   

1. Why is my credit claim being reviewed?

   We review many tax returns, including standalone homestead credit claims, to determine whether the credit reported is correct. Being selected for review does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the credit claimed. All income tax returns, whether filed electronically or on paper, may be selected for additional review.

2. How long does the review take?

   In general, processing of your claim will take approximately eight to twelve weeks after we receive all of the requested information. If you don't provide all of the information or if more information is needed, we may contact you again which could delay processing your return.

3. Any tips for completing the review?
   • Provide all of the information we are asking for in the letter
   • Send the information by the deadline in the letter
   • Submit the information as shown on the letter or take the information to a local department office (office locations and hours) - we cannot take the information over the phone. Caution: Some records, such as birth certificates, may not be submitted to the department electronically.
   • If you can't meet the deadline, contact us to ask for more time
   • Make a copy of what you send for your records
   • After sending the information, allow up to twelve weeks for the review to be completed before contacting us
     
     
4. What documents are needed for review?

   We may request additional information to help us make sure that you receive the correct amount of credit. You will receive a letter that lists the information we need to complete the review. All of the information we ask for must be provided. Missing information may delay the processing of your return or result in the credit being denied.

   For the earned income credit, examples of information requested include original or certified copies of birth certificates, school and daycare records, and rent and lease documents. For self-employment income, we may ask you to provide records of your business income and expenses, which you are required to keep as a self-employed taxpayer.

5. Why was my credit adjusted or denied?

   If your credit was adjusted or denied, read the notice you received from the department for an explanation. Credits may be adjusted or denied for many reasons, including that you do not qualify for the credit or you did not provide information we asked for.

   If you disagree with the adjustment or denial, you must appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice. The changes will become final if a timely appeal is not filed.

6. [Earned income credit] Why do you need original or certified copies of birth certificates?

   Original or certified copies of birth certificates are required to show your relationship with children listed as "qualifying children" for purposes of the earned income credit. State law prohibits you from making photocopies of original or certified copies of birth certificates and other vital records.

   Original or certified copies of birth certificates and other original or certified copies of vital records will be returned to you when the review is complete.

7. [Homestead credit] Why do I need a rent certificate or property tax bill?

   A rent certificate or property tax bill is used to verify the amount of rent paid or property tax accrued you are claiming for purposes of homestead credit.

   If a copy of the property tax bill is not available, you may use a printout from the county or municipal treasurer or their website. The property tax bill or printout must show the year, owner name(s), assessed value of the land and improvements, legal description or property address, and taxes before and after state aids and credits. It must also have lines for special assessments and the lottery and gaming credit.

   Your rent certificate must be signed by your landlord. Do not change any of the information on the rent certificate after it is signed. Use a separate rent certificate for each home for which you are claiming homestead credit. If your landlord won't sign your rent certificate, fill in the fields above line 1, as well as lines 1-8b, and attach canceled checks or money order receipts for each month to verify your rent. Any portion not verified will not be allowed.

   Note: DO NOT sign the rent certificate yourself. Rent certificates signed by you or someone other than the landlord or their authorized representative will not be accepted.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of January 8, 2026: sec. 69.24 and ch. 71, Wis. Stats., secs. Tax 14.01, 14.04 and 14.05, Wis. Adm. Code.

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100321

January 8, 2026