1. ​How do I electronically file my income tax return?
   
   
2. How do I get help?
   
   
3. How do I know the Department of Revenue received my electronically filed return?
   
   
4. If I do not receive an acknowledgment within three business days of transmitting my return, how do I find out what happened to my return?
   
   
5. If I realize I made a mistake after I transmit my electronic return, what do I do?
   
   
6. I did not receive a Form 1099-G or misplaced it, but I did receive a refund. What is the Payer's name, address and ID number?
   
   
7. If my spouse died during the taxable year, can I file electronically?
   
   
8. If my return is rejected by the IRS, can I still e-file for Wisconsin?
   
   

1. How do I electronically file my income tax return?

   Wisconsin promotes several types of e-filing for individual income taxes. You may hire a professional to prepare your returns, file online using paid tax preparation software, or use the department's WisTax.
   

   • Professionally prepared electronic returns: the tax professional collects your income tax information, prepares your tax return, and transmits the return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). See Electronic Filing Through a Tax Professional for more information.
     
     
   • Online filing: if you have access to a computer with an internet connection, you can:
     • Purchase off-the-shelf tax preparation software that includes an option for electronic filing.
     • Go to the website of a software company that transmits tax returns. The software prepares your tax return for you based on the information you provide. When you are done, you can submit your return. You will be asked for any payment at that time.
       Note: Not all software supports Wisconsin e-filing. See the information concerning web-based filing and off-the-shelf or downloaded software.
       
       
   • WisTax is the department's free online program that allows individuals to file their Wisconsin income tax returns electronically.
     
     
2. How do I get help?

   For help with your software program:

   • Review their instructions
   • Access their Help menu
   • Contact their Help staff
     
     

   For help with Wisconsin income tax questions:

   • Phone: (608) 266-2486
   • Email: DORIncome@wisconsin.gov
     
     

   For help with electronic filing:

   • Phone: (608) 264-6886
   • Email: DORElectronicFiling@wisconsin.gov
     
     
3. How do I know the Department of Revenue received my electronically filed return?

   You or your tax preparer will receive an electronic acknowledgment from both the IRS and the Wisconsin DOR within 24-72 hours of e-filing.

   If you use DOR's free WisTax program, you will receive a confirmation number immediately upon successful submission of your tax return.
   

4. If I do not receive an acknowledgment within three days of transmitting my return, how do I find out what happened to my return?

   If you are using third-party software, log back into to your account and check your e-file status. If your return was rejected by federal or state, correct your mistakes and resubmit your return. If you are not sure how to correct the return, please contact your software provider if you are using third-party software. If you are using WisTax, contact DOR by phone at (608) 264-6886 or email DORElectronicFiling@wisconsin.gov.

5. If I realize I made a mistake after I transmit my electronic return, what do I do?

   The only way to correct an electronic return once it has been transmitted is to file a Wisconsin amended tax return. Amended returns can be filed electronically through third-party software. Alternatively, you may file a paper amended income tax return.

   • Find the paper form you filed (Form 1 or Form 1NPR) and check the box at the top next to "check here if an amended return." Complete and send Schedule AR, Explanation of Amended Return, along with the completed amended return.
     
     

   Forms are available on our Individual Income Tax Forms page.

6. I did not receive a Form 1099-G or misplaced it, but I did receive a refund. What is the Payer's name, address, and ID number?

   Payer's Name: Wisconsin Department of Revenue
   Payer's Address: MS 3-258, PO Box 8905, Madison, WI 53708-8905
   Payer's FEIN: 39-6006491

   You can view and/or print your Form 1099-G at:
   https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/OnlineServices/Form1099G-home.aspx

7. If my spouse died during the taxable year, can I file electronically?

   Yes, you can. If you are having problems filing as surviving spouse, check with your software vendor. If you file a joint return and opt to receive a paper check, we will issue the check to you and "the estate of" your spouse. If you will not be able to deposit the check made out to "the estate of" your spouse, attach Form 804 to your return, and indicate on the form (or in your software) that you are including Form 804.

8. If my return is rejected by the IRS, can I still e-file for Wisconsin?

   Yes, you can file or transmit a "Wisconsin-only" return through your approved third-party software or by using WisTax.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of January 12, 2024: sec. 71.03, Wis. Stats., and secs. Tax 2.08 and 2.12, Wis. Adm. Code.

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100053

January 12, 2024