Press Release  Massachusetts State Tax Filing Season Is Open

Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) has opened the state tax filing season, which will run through Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

In order to enhance fraud prevention and speed up refund processing, taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns electronically.  Massachusetts is a member of the FreeFile Alliance*, a nonprofit coalition of tax software providers partnered with the IRS and a number of other states.  Most taxpayers fall into the income eligibility requirements for free filing; additional information is available at mass.gov/efile.

DOR launched a new opt-in fraud prevention program for the 2017 tax season that will allow taxpayers to gain more control over their personal information. Taxpayers that opt-in to the new program will receive a confirmation request from MassTaxConnect when a return is filed using the participating taxpayer’s social security number. Once confirmation is received, the return will be processed.  To opt-in, taxpayers can call 617.887.MDOR or send an e-message through the MassTaxConnect website at mass.gov/masstaxconnect.

“The Department of Revenue’s top priority is refund fraud prevention.  Last tax season we stopped roughly $40 million in fraudulent returns and we continue to deploy system enhancements that detect fraud while releasing legitimate refunds in a timely manner,” said Christopher C. Harding, Commissioner of Revenue. “We look forward to working with taxpayers during this filing season and encourage taxpayers to reach out to the Department with any questions or concerns.”

DOR estimates that 75% of online returns will be processed in 2-3 days and expects most refunds will be issued in less than two weeks.  Taxpayers can check their refund status on MassTaxConnect at mass.gov/masstaxconnect.

Avoid delays by taking the following steps:

• E-file returns and select direct deposit of your refund. 
• If filing on paper, do not use forms with watermarks and do not staple or paperclip forms. 
• Ask for Help.  Taxpayer help is always available on DOR’s website, with topics ranging from how to find a tax preparer to tax law changes. You’ll find options for free tax help for taxpayers who qualify like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs; locations are available across Massachusetts.

* Please note that the Massachusetts Department of Revenue does not endorse or recommend any particular tax preparation software.

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