The Arizona Department of Revenue will piggyback with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcement regarding the start of the 2013 electronic filing season. Arizona electronic income tax returns are processed and accepted through the IRS first.
This means it will not be possible to E-file a state return for Arizona until Jan. 30 because the IRS portal will not open until then. Arizona Department of Revenue will begin processing electronic individual income tax returns beginning on Jan. 30.
Arizona forms and instructions are available now to print at azdor.gov for taxpayers to file their state returns. However, due to the IRS not opening their filing season until Jan. 30 and not having federal returns available, it may be difficult to prepare an Arizona return because the starting point of the Arizona return is the Federal Adjusted Gross Income.
There is no advantage to file a paper return instead of using E-file. E-file software offers easy step-by-step instructions, assists in detecting costly errors before filing, and you can receive your refund in as little as 10 days with direct deposit.
If you owe, you can still E-file and pay electronically by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Low-income taxpayers and active military personnel can take advantage of a partnership between the state of Arizona and private sector companies who provide free state and federal tax preparation with E-filing services to qualified Arizona taxpayers.
Arizona Free File Alliance is in its eighth year. This program is a public-private partnership between the Arizona Department of Revenue and a consortium of tax preparation software companies. Participating tax software companies use individual criteria to determine which taxpayers are eligible; most eligible Arizona taxpayers have a lower-income, are active duty military, EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) eligible, seniors, or students.
Arizona Free File Alliance allows taxpayers to choose from multiple free file offerings and directs them to a private company’s website where they can use the free service to prepare and file their returns electronically.
To take advantage of this program you must start by using the link http://www.azdor.gov/EServices/Individuals.aspx on the Arizona Department of Revenue
website.
The deadline for filing tax returns is Monday, April 15.
