Income tax filing season begins

Minnesota taxpayers can officially start filing their state income tax returns and their federal tax returns.

Tax filing season officially opened Monday, and taxpayers have until April 15 to file and pay state and federal income taxes.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue on Monday offered some tips for taxpayers as they file their taxes:

• See if you qualify for free tax preparation
• File electronically and choose direct deposit
• Check for accuracy
• Save your receipts and other tax-related documents
• File your return by the deadline, even if you owe more than you can pay

The department also urged taxpayers to track your refund, contact the department if you move after filing your return and not spend your refund until the money is actually in your bank account. Authorities also said while many taxpayers file property tax returns at the same time as income tax returns, officials can't begin processing the refunds before July 1 by law.

You can find more information here.