Blog Post  What's Trending for Taxpayers

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell 

With the IRS accepting e-filed returns—and payments—since January 23, the countdown to the Tax Day filing deadline, April 18, 2023, has begun! 

Prepare now, and you’ll thank yourself later.  

Ready? Let’s get started!  

Steps you can take 

It’s true: Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. To help you prepare and get a jump on your taxes, check out these 3 resource pages: 

1. Tips to help you prepare to file 

2. Income tax exemptions you might be able to claim 

3. Available credits, tax relief, and other help. 

What’s trending 

Before you file your taxes, you might want to learn about what’s new this year. For a bird’s-eye view of DOR news, check out the What’s Trending page.  

Looking for a recap of some of the key changes in Tax Year 2022? Go to the updated Overview page for easy-to-find information on:  

• Tax season video and 

• Tax law changes. 

Don’t forget that the Overview page also has other handy resources for how to: 

• E-file and pay your taxes 

• Find a tax professional. 

E-File now!  

Over 90% of Massachusetts taxpayers e-file and pay their taxes. 

Do you want to make fewer mistakes and get a faster tax refund this year? E-file your income tax! Most people can file for free. 

E-file for free? 

Most qualify to file for free, check out: 

• Free e-file options  

• File for free through MassTaxConnect. 

Bookmark us 

The Overview page is like a convenience store that’s always open. You can stop in at any time to learn more about: 

• Registering with MassTaxConnect 

• Filing extensions 

• Sending us an e-message.  

You can always have the latest DOR news and tax filing help at your fingertips. Just as you bookmarked the current page, you can bookmark these as well: 

• DOR’s blog, Simply Taxes  

• Choose the language you want 

• Follow us on social media. 

Do you want to get email updates and our monthly newsletter, DOR News? Yes, I want to sign up and stay informed!  

Wait, there’s more!  

Bookmark DOR’s Hot Topics page to get the latest updates for tax professionals. One of the latest items will tell you about an IRS delay in changes to 1099-K reporting that doesn’t impact the Massachusetts requirement. 

4% surtax on income over $1 million 

In November 2022, a statewide ballot measure was approved to add a surtax of 4% on taxable income above $1 million for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.  

Go to the Hot Topics page to learn how the 4% surtax on income over $1 million impacts: 

• Withholding Tax 

• Estimated Tax.  

Are you a business or partnership required to e-file? Changes coming for Tax Year 2022 

One more thing before you go: Some taxpayers are required to electronically submit the following to DOR:  

• Tax returns 

• Schedules, attachments, payments, and 

• Their federal return.  

If you’re required to e-file your Tax Year 2022 return, and you file on paper, your return will not be processed. 

In most cases, tax returns and all required schedules and attachments, including the federal return, can be e-filed 2 ways: 

1. Using commercial software or  

2. Free, through MassTaxConnect.  

Some returns can only be e-filed through MassTaxConnect, including Forms 355SBC, 63FI, and 121A. 

To learn more about mandatory e-filing requirements, go to: 

• Electronic Requirements 

• TIR 21-9 and TIR 16-9.