Less Than a Week to File Individual Income Tax Returns

The deadline to file tax year 2020 individual income tax returns is May 17. The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) would like to advise taxpayers to file soon as the deadline approaches.

In Arizona, full-year resident or part-year resident individuals must file a tax return if they are:

• Single or married filing separately and gross income (GI) is greater than $12,400;
• Head of household and GI is greater than $18,650; or
• Married and filing jointly and GI is greater than $24,800.

Note: For non-resident individuals, the threshold numbers above are prorated based on the individual's Arizona gross income to their federal adjusted gross income.

Visit the department’s E-File Services page at https://azdor.gov/e-file-services to view the list of certified software providers and free electronic filing options.

To expedite the processing of an income tax return, ADOR strongly encourages taxpayers to e-file. E-filing is more secure and efficient than paper returns, with nearly 90 percent of the 3.2 million individual tax returns being e-filed for tax year 2019. Please note: If you submit a paper return, it can take up to 40 business days to process, whereas e-filed returns take on average 10 business days.

Each year, ADOR provides opportunities for taxpayers to file their individual income tax returns electronically at no cost to those who qualify. Fillable forms and e-file information are available online.

Here are some additional tips to speed up the refund process to avoid delays in processing your returns:

• Verify all the necessary lines and forms are filled out correctly. Avoid math errors or miscalculations.
• Enter taxpayer and dependent names as they appear on Social Security cards and avoid using two different names.
• Make sure to include your daytime telephone number.
• Ensure all information, forms, carryover totals, and supporting documents are correctly stated.
• Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms.
• If sending a paper return, ensure to send it to the correct address based on if the taxpayer is making a payment or expecting a refund. Please check the form for mailing instructions.
• Remember to sign and date the return.

Taxpayers requiring more time to file their returns can fill out Form 204 for an extension. This form needs to be submitted by May 17. As a reminder, an extension does not grant a taxpayer more time to pay the tax owed. If a taxpayer has already been granted an extension through the IRS, an Arizona extension is not required.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021