Here's How To Track Your MN State, Federal Tax Return

MINNESOTA — A combination of inflation adjustments and the potential for last-minute changes in child tax credits could mean lower federal income tax bills — or bigger refunds — for Minnesota residents.

The deadline to file federal tax returns and Minnesota state returns is Monday, April 15. But if you've already filed and are waiting on money from the state or federal government, here's how to keep tabs on your return.

Minnesota's "Where's My Refund" tool

Both the federal government and the state of Minnesota offer an online service that allows you to check the status of your refund. Minnesota's tool is updated overnight, Monday through Friday.

The IRS tool is updated 24 hours after you file a return, and you can check periodically after that.

To use the tools, you'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and exact refund amount on your state or federal return.

Track your state return here.

Track your federal return here.

How To File For Free

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less can use the IRS Free File option, which pairs qualifying filers with trusted agency tax preparation partners. The qualifying income threshold is $6,000 higher than last year.

Direct File is a pilot in-house tax preparation and filing system free to taxpayers in a dozen states — Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

The pilot program is mainly limited to several hundred state government employees with simple tax returns.

How To Get An Extension

It’s extremely common for taxpayers to need more time to file their returns, and they can get a six-month extension without penalty by filing Form 4868, available through IRS Free File to all taxpayers, regardless of income. A paper form can also be mailed.

Filing for an extension doesn’t postpone the deadline to pay taxes, though. Taxpayers seeking an extension should estimate and pay what they think they need to pay on the regular April 15 filing deadline, or face the potential for IRS penalties for late filing.