Where to Mail Your Wisconsin Tax Return

Filing a Wisconsin state tax return by mail requires sending the forms to a specific Post Office Box designated by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Using the correct address ensures your return is processed efficiently. Sending your documents to the wrong location can lead to significant delays in receiving a refund or posting a payment.

Preparing Your Return for Mailing

Before sealing your envelope, verify that all necessary documents are included and correctly assembled. Your signed and completed tax form, such as Form 1, is the main document, and all required attachments like W-2s, 1099s, and supporting schedules must be included. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue specifies a particular order for assembling these documents to speed up processing.

If you owe taxes, a payment must be enclosed. Prepare a check or money order made payable to the “Wisconsin Department of Revenue.” To ensure the payment is credited correctly, write your Social Security number and the tax year on the memo line of the check. This payment should be paper-clipped to the front of the tax form.

Missing or incomplete documentation is a common reason for processing delays. For instance, if you are claiming a credit for taxes paid to another state, you must include copies of that state’s tax returns. First-time claimants of the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit need to attach a copy of their DVA certification. Taking a moment to double-check for all required items prevents future issues.

Wisconsin Tax Return Mailing Addresses

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue uses different P.O. Box addresses based on the specific form you are filing and whether you are expecting a refund or making a payment. Using the correct address for your situation is necessary for the mail to be sorted and processed correctly, as an incorrect address will delay your return.

For those filing the standard Form 1, the destination depends on your balance. If you are due a refund or have no tax due, mail your return to: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 59, Madison, WI 53785-0001. If you are enclosing a payment with your Form 1, the correct address is: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 268, Madison, WI 53790-0001.

Different forms have their own unique mailing addresses. Filers submitting a Schedule H or H-EZ for the Homestead Credit must send their documents to: P.O. Box 34, Madison, WI 53786-0001. If you need to file an amended return, you must use Form 1 and check the box indicating it is amended. These returns should be mailed to: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 8991, Madison, WI 53708-8991. Always verify the form number and your payment status before selecting the mailing address.

Considering Electronic Filing (E-file)

As an alternative to mailing a paper return, Wisconsin offers an electronic filing, or e-file, system. E-filing involves submitting your tax return information directly to the Department of Revenue through the internet using approved tax software. This method is popular due to its efficiency and security.

The primary advantages of e-filing are speed and confirmation. Electronically filed returns are processed much faster than paper returns, which can shorten the waiting time for a refund from several weeks to a matter of days. Upon submission, you receive an immediate confirmation that the Department of Revenue has received your return. The state’s official website provides a list of approved software vendors.