Individual income tax season begins

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) has announced that the 2026 individual income tax filing season is officially open.

It began Jan. 26. Both the IRS and the DOR are now accepting and processing 2025 individual income tax returns. Wisconsin taxpayers have four primary options for submitting their returns:

• WisTax: The DOR’s free, secure online system. For 2026, the platform is open to all full-year residents with a valid driver’s license or Wisconsin ID.

New features for 2026 include expanded support for those claiming the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Credit or those needing to file an amended return.

• Software: Various commercial software options are available, offering different levels of guidance.

• Tax Preparer: Individuals with complex situations may choose to hire a qualified tax professional for personalized assistance.

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Community organizations and IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax preparation for eligible taxpayers.

Locally, residents in the area can receive free, in-person tax preparation assistance this winter through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.

The service will be available Wednesdays from Feb. 4 through April 8 at the Kalmar Community Center, 1013 N. Railroad St., Eagle River. Appointments are offered between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation to individuals of any age, with a special focus on those age 50 and older or those who cannot afford paid tax preparation services.

The service is offered by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 715-479-3727.

Benefits of electronic filing

With 93.3% of Americans now filing electronically, the DOR strongly encourages this method for several reasons. The top reason is security. According to DOR, electronic filing provides a secure transfer of information and a confirmation email. Electronic payments are significantly safer than paper checks, which are 16 times more likely to be stolen, lost, or altered.

Refunds also are processed an average of seven days faster when filed electronically, and software reduces the likelihood of calculation errors. Electronic filing also reduces operational costs for the DOR, saving taxpayer dollars.

For those who must file by mail, the DOR recommends mailing documents early to avoid late filing fees associated with postmarks dated after the deadline.

Tracking your refund

Taxpayers can use the “Where’s My Refund” online tool for the quickest updates on their Wisconsin state tax refund status. This tool provides instant access to the same tracking information used by call center agents.

They can also call Customer Service Assistance, where DOR agents are available to help taxpayers learn how to file and pay electronically. Individuals can call 608-266-2486, or businesses, 608-266-2776.