Wisconsin residents can now file taxes online for free

The individual income tax filing season begins on Monday, January 29th, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) now has more resources to help taxpayers.

New to this tax season is the DOR’s WisTax electronic filing system. This system replaces WI e-file and is free to qualifying taxpayers who completed their federal Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Plans are currently in the works to expand this free tax-filing service.

In addition to the WisTax system, Wisconsin is participating in the IRS Free File program for the first time. Qualified taxpayers can use a certified Free File software provider to file their federal and Wisconsin returns for free.

Free tax preparation services are also available for qualifying taxpayers through the Volunteer Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the elderly programs. This is in coordination between the DOR, the IRS, and other participating agencies.

For an added layer of security, Wisconsin residents can register for a Wisconsin Identity Protection PIN within the DOR’s My Tax Account (MTA) system. This number functions as a password for your tax return to protect you from thieves who may try to steal your refund by filing in your name. The Wisconsin IP PIN is specific to the individual requesting it, and once the PIN is registered, it must be used on any 2021, 2022, and 2023 Wisconsin tax return or homestead credit claimed filed during the 2024 calendar year.

If you have filed already, you can track your refund with the DOR’s Where’s My Refund tool.