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What is Wisconsin e-file?
Wisconsin e-file is the system almost any full-year, part-year or non-resident of Wisconsin can use to electronically file a Wisconsin income tax return. Wisconsin e-file is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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What are the benefits to using Wisconsin e-file?
Wisconsin e-file:
- Allows you to prepare and e-file your return through the department's secure website
- Gives you a confirmation number immediately, so you know your tax return has been received
- Reduces mistakes because the math is done for you, plus the program will compute your net tax and credits
- Provides line-item help and instructions
- Allows you to print and/or save your tax return
- Allows you to use direct deposit, so you receive your refund more quickly
- Allows you to pay an amount owed by direct withdrawal, on the day you specify (on or before April 18)
- Allows for a paperless filing of your tax return
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Am I eligible to use Wisconsin e-file?
Most full-year, part-year, and non-residents may electronically file their Wisconsin income tax return using the Wisconsin e-file system, but a list of exceptions can be found
here.
If you were invited to participate in our WisTax for Individuals pilot program, see this Common Questions page for more information.
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What do I need before I begin to use Wisconsin e-file?
- Your completed federal income tax return
- Your Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099
- Your financial institution account number and routing number, if you choose direct deposit for your refund or direct withdrawal for an amount owed
- Your credit card information, if you choose to pay an amount owed by credit card; accepted cards are American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA
- Your completed and signed rent certificate and/or property tax bill if you are claiming homestead credit
You must enter the data from your Forms W-2 and 1099 into the Wisconsin e-file Forms W-2 and 1099.
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:
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Homestead credit
- Net tax paid to another state credit
- Eligible veterans and surviving spouse property tax credit
- Farmland preservation credit
After you have submitted your electronic return, you should:
- Print and/or save a copy of your return
- Keep copies of Forms W-2, 1099 and other documents used to complete your return
- Keep all tax records and documents for at least four years
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How do I begin using Wisconsin e-file?
- Go to
revenue.wi.gov/Pages/WI-efile/home.aspx
- From the list, choose the form you would like to complete, and start the filing process
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How do I know which form I should use?
Please review our
guidelines for determining which form is most appropriate for you.
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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.
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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 select a field or
- Using the arrow buttons on the toolbar to go from page to page
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If I owe an amount, can I e-file my return now, but go back later to decide how to pay?
No. You have to decide by choosing one of the following ways to pay the amount you owe before you can e-file your return:
- Direct Debit/Withdrawal — You may provide the routing number of your financial institution, your account number, and the date you want to make your payment (up to the April 18 filing deadline) directly on the Wisconsin e-file form. If it's after April 18, you cannot pay with Wisconsin e-file; instead, select one of the following payment options.
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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 of Revenue). You must pay the same day you set up the credit card payment.
- Pay by check or money order — Complete and print Form EPV (Electronic Payment Voucher). Send this form, along with your payment, to the address listed on the form.
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Once I begin filing, 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. However, please keep in mind the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's
filing deadlines.
If you cannot complete your tax return in one sitting, save the 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". Make sure to do this before closing your return.
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.
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What happens if I make a mistake using Wisconsin e-file?
You can correct mistakes at any time before you submit your tax return. Simply type over or delete any mistakes.
If you realize you have made a mistake after you have submitted your return, you will have to file an amended return. You can file an amended return using Wisconsin e-file. You would use the same form you originally filed with unless your original return was filed on an incorrect form. Check the box above the taxpayer information line to indicate it is an amended return and be sure to attach the Schedule AR.
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Must I round to the nearest dollar amount?
Yes. To round to the nearest dollar amount, you need to:
- Drop amounts under 50 cents; and
- Increase amounts greater than or equal to 50 cents.
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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.
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How do I know the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has received my income tax return?
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".
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Why do I not see options to sigh or submit my return?
If you do not see a signature statement or the button at the bottom of your form, please verify you are using a Wisconsin e-file form and not a fill-in form. The Department of Revenue offers fill-in forms which can be printed and mailed but cannot be submitted electronically; these forms are distinguishable by the options for
,
, and
at the top of the form. If you are using a fill-in form and would like to file electronically, you must navigate to a form that is compatible with Wisconsin e-file. A list of forms compatible with Wisconsin e-file can be found
here.
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Can I file my income tax returns using Wisconsin e-file after April 18?
Yes. Wisconsin e-file is available for you to use after April 18. To avoid any late filing fees, you need to have a valid extension of time to file. Please remember that you may be subject to interest, penalties, and other fees for late filing and nonpayment or late payment of your tax liability.
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Can I file my prior income tax returns using Wisconsin e-file?
You can use Wisconsin e-file for any open tax year. You can access e-file forms for previous tax years
here.
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Who do I contact if I have a question while using Wisconsin e-file?