DOR News - May 2023

Massachusetts Department of Revenue matters of interest for May 2023.

Table of Contents

MassTaxConnect Maintenance - Thursday, May 18, from 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Two-step authentication SMS text messages, and credit card payment processing, will be unavailable through MassTaxConnect from 5:00-10:00 p.m. on May 18 while the third-party provider conducts maintenance.  All services will be available before and after the maintenance window. Please plan accordingly.

Tax Bills Coming Soon

Beginning in June, income tax bills on any outstanding balances on returns filed for tax year 2022 will be going in the mail. Taxpayers can log in to their MassTaxConnect account anytime (or Sign Up if they don’t have one) to view their balance and make any payments. When a bill (or what we call a Notice of Assessment) is received, the taxpayer can request a payment agreement after logging in to their account if unable to pay the full amount.

Save the Extension Date

Mark your calendars if you or your clients are on extension to file a personal income or fiduciary tax return. The date to get the return filed is October 16, 2023. An extension is only for additional time to file, not to pay. Any amount due will incur interest, even if a valid extension is on file.

Tip for Communicating with the Audit Team

When responding to an Audit notice or communication, don’t use snail mail. For the fastest result, send an email to the assigned auditor. Just like many organizations, DOR audit staff is working on a hybrid schedule. Paper mail, once received by DOR, must be scanned so it can be delivered to the auditor.  Electronic communication is the fastest means way to get a response.

Give Us Your Feedback on Tax Filing Season

First, congratulations to the Commonwealth! 94% of Massachusetts income taxpayers chose to e-file this tax season, that’s a great increase. Second, let us know of any hiccups you may have experienced during the filing season, or things that worked well. We know most of you use commercial tax software to prepare taxes and we want to encourage all roads to electronic filing. We also want your feedback on tax forms, communicating with DOR, and if there are simpler and more efficient ways to get information.   

Collection Activity Update

Heads up for taxpayers with payment agreements who have not made agreed-upon payments for 6 months or longer.  Intent to Cancel Payment Agreement (ICPA) notices are going out. Additionally, taxpayers who have not filed one or more required tax returns will also receive an ICPA notice.  Taxpayers who do not meet the obligations of their payment agreement risk collection actions if their agreement is cancelled and would then be subject to collection actions. They can reach out to DOR to discuss options and will find more information about payment agreements, at DOR Payment Agreement Frequently Asked Questions

Content When You Need It

In between issues of DOR News, don’t forget to check our blog, Simply Taxes, for information on important tax topics and updates from DOR. If there are any topics you’d like our blog team to cover, let us know.

Prior DOR News issues

If you missed a prior issue, visit DOR News. Also check out DOR's Tax Professionals page.

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