DOVER — The Delaware Division of Revenue is determined to make filing taxes less taxing, so it encourages people to file online.
The Division of Revenue will begin accepting tax returns Tuesday.
Director Patrick T. Carter encourages residents to file their 2015 Delaware personal income taxes at www.delaware.gov. The deadline to file is May 2.
Refunds from electronically filed returns are issued on average within two weeks, according to spokesperson Leslie A. Poland, while refunds from paper-filed returns average over seven weeks. Last year, the average time to issue a refund for all tax filing methods combined was just over 20 days.
Those who don’t need tax preparation software can file for free on the Delaware Division of Revenue website. This online system is user-friendly and available 24 hours, seven days a week. The system also allows taxpayers to file their returns and then schedule any payment due closer to the May 2 deadline. Taxpayers may pay their state taxes on this system using a credit card or by debiting their bank account.
Those who prefer tax-preparation software electronically can file their federal and state income tax returns for a fee, although these products also offer free-filing options for Delaware taxpayers who meet the following qualifications:
• Adjusted gross income is less than the software’s established means criteria;
• Active-duty military with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less (including Reservists and National Guard);
• Qualify for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
For paper-filed returns, the state uses a processing system that identifies tax filings based on the return type. Any taxpayer who files a 2015 tax return using a previous-year return, or who modifies the paper return in some way, will experience significant delays. Paper tax returns will be available at local libraries or for download at www.revenue.delaware.gov.
Because Delaware does not maintain reciprocity agreements with other states, non-residents must file a Delaware tax return. Delaware residents who work out-of-state are required to file returns with Delaware in addition to the state where they worked.
By law, Delaware employees should receive their W-2 employment forms by Jan. 31 for any job worked during the 2015 calendar year. Those who haven’t received a W-2 by Jan. 31 should contact their employer.