ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Revenue will open the state Individual Income Tax filing season on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. For Minnesotans’ benefit and convenience, this date matches the opening day for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The filing deadline to submit 2018 Minnesota income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019. This date matches the IRS’s filing deadline for 2018 federal income tax returns. Tax software providers and tax professionals will be accepting and preparing tax returns before Jan. 28 and will submit those returns when the IRS and state systems open later this month.

“This year especially, we encourage everyone to file electronically and choose direct deposit to help improve the accuracy and security of your return,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “Free file options are available for nearly 64 percent of Minnesotans. We encourage all eligible Minnesota taxpayers to take advantage of this and file their state taxes for free.”

Last year, almost 90 percent of Minnesota taxpayers filed their taxes electronically. Electronic filing ensures that you have the most up-to-date forms and instructions when you file.

Free electronic filing is available for Minnesotans who meet certain requirements. Last year, over 800,000 Minnesotans were eligible for free electronic filing, but did not take advantage of it. You may be eligible to file electronically for free if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $66,000 or less.

You may qualify for free tax preparation help for your federal and Minnesota income tax returns. To qualify, you must be age 60 or older, have a disability, speak limited or no English, or have income less than $55,000 per year. There are over 200 free tax preparation sites across Minnesota where you can get help from IRS-certified volunteers. Most sites are open Feb. 1 through April 15.

Direct deposit is an easy, convenient, and secure way to get your refund. You can include your banking information on your tax return and get your refund deposited into your bank account. Direct deposit is available whether you file your return electronically or by mail.

Due to an increase in attempted refund fraud, refunds may take longer than in prior years. Do not spend your refund until you see the money in your bank account.

There were big changes to federal tax laws at the end of last year, but Minnesota’s tax laws have not significantly changed. You can find updated forms and see frequently asked questions about the filing season by going to www.revenue.state.mn.us.