When Is Indiana Accepting Tax Returns?
Find key information for the Indiana tax season, from when the state starts accepting returns to the steps to take after you file.
The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) began accepting 2024 individual income tax returns on January 27, 2025. This date aligns with the start of the federal tax season as announced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), because the state cannot begin processing returns until the IRS opens its systems for the year. It is advisable to wait until you have received all necessary tax documents, such as W-2s and 1099s, before filing to ensure accuracy and avoid delays.
Key Filing Dates for the 2025 Season
Taxpayers must submit their state returns and pay any tax liability by the primary deadline of April 15, 2025. This date is consistent with the federal deadline. For individuals needing more time to prepare their return, an extension can be requested. Filing for a federal extension to October 15, 2025, automatically grants an extension for Indiana.
If a federal extension is not filed, a separate request can be made to the DOR by submitting Form IT-9 on or before the April deadline. This provides an extension to file the state return until November 17, 2025. This is an extension of time to file, not an extension to pay; any taxes owed are still due by the original April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
Methods for Filing Your Indiana Tax Return
Taxpayers have multiple options for submitting their Indiana tax returns. The fastest method is electronic filing, or e-filing, which reduces processing time and the likelihood of errors compared to paper returns. One e-file option is INfreefile, a service offered for eligible taxpayers, generally those with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below a certain threshold, to file both federal and state returns for free. Eligibility can vary by vendor, so taxpayers should visit the DOR’s website to find a suitable provider.
Alternatively, individuals can choose to file by mail. This method is slower, leading to longer processing times for the return and any associated refund. Necessary forms, such as the IT-40 for full-year residents, can be downloaded from the DOR’s website.
Tracking Your Refund After Filing
After submitting a return, taxpayers can monitor the status of their state refund through the Indiana DOR’s online portal. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool is available through the state’s INTIME service. To access the information, you will need to provide specific details from your return, including your Social Security Number, the exact refund amount in whole dollars, and the tax year for which you are inquiring.
The time it takes to receive a refund varies based on the filing method. Returns filed electronically are processed more quickly, with refunds often issued within ten to fourteen days, though processing can take up to three weeks. In contrast, paper-filed returns require manual processing and can take ten to twelve weeks to be completed.