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We understand that. But it doesn't have to be! Take a few minutes to better understand the Iowa filing process and maybe doing your taxes will drop from your “most stressful things” list.
The more you understand about providing correct information, the more efficiently we are able to serve you. So, let's work together for a good outcome.
You can file through a tax preparer, on paper, or through a 3rd-party software vendor.
Filing yourself? Start with Filing an Income Tax Return under I am... An Individual. For most individual taxpayers, this page contains all the information you need, including links to forms, expanded instructions, and Common Mistakes to avoid to ensure a quick review of your return.
Fast tax fact: The Department processed over 1.71 million individual income tax returns in calendar year 2022. But the Department does more than your income tax return, there were over 541,000 withholding tax returns and 566,000 sales and use tax returns filed during calendar year 2022.
(and keep it safe)
It's our job to collect the right amount of tax and provide you the correct refund, if it is due. How we do that has become increasingly complex because of tax refund fraud. Cyber criminals attempt to file fraudulent tax returns using stolen personal information from Iowa taxpayers. The good news is we take your security seriously. We have to. It's our job.
Fast tax fact: Bad news for Cyber criminals. In 2022, the Department identified $20.7 million in fraudulent or erroneous refund claims. This included $6.6 million in claims stopped by our fraud review.
Tax returns are reviewed for accuracy to ensure refunds go to the right taxpayer in the correct amount and stay out of the hands of criminals. This includes a combination of automated and manual reviews. Here are the key items for our review process:
Is it complete?
Remember to answer all questions and sign the form, if you are filing by paper. If filing jointly, make sure you both signed the form.
Is it accurate?
Since we need to make sure it's really you who is filing, double-check your personal information (name, address, and social security number), as well as your tax calculations.
Is there more to it?
We may find our calculations are different from yours. Or that you have an outstanding balance owed to another public agency. Or we simply have a question.
If we have a question, we will contact you by letter asking for more information. If you get a letter from us, respond to the contact included on the letter with the requested information so we can complete the review.
Unless you receive a letter from us, there is no action you need to take for your refund to be processed.
While our initial review process is thorough, there are instances when an even more comprehensive review needs to be done. Sometimes this occurs even after a refund has been issued.
Some common stiuations where we may contact you by letter include:
Fast tax fact: In 2022, the Department identified $20.7 million in fraudulent or erroneous refund claims. This included $14.1 million in mistakes found on returns.
The Department’s goal is to process refunds within 30 days. You can check on the status of your refund at Where's My Refund which is updated in real-time.
Curious about those status messages and details within Where's My Refund?
This is the same information that is available to our phone representatives so there is no need to call unless the status message directs you to.
Fast tax tip: Direct deposit can be the most convenient way to receive your refund. This option is available to most taxpayers, whether you file electronically or on paper.
Please note, if you have
an outstanding balance owed to another public agency,
your refund may be used to pay the amount due before you receive any remaining refund.
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IDR@iowa.gov