Wisconsin State Tax Information / Federal Tax Information / VITA / Glossary
Wisconsin State Tax Information
Finding Forms
The State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue maintains a website where you can download and print tax forms and instructions on how to complete the forms. Links to federal and state forms websites are available on the UWM Libraries homepage http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries under "Online Reference." Paper tax forms are NOT available at the UWM Libraries although copies of forms may be available at a local public library.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue also provides tax forms by mail. To request forms, call 1-414-227-4440 or 1-608-266-1961, or request from the address below. For other telephone numbers, check the list at the Taxpayer Assistance site at http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/pcs/assist.html
There are several publications designed to explain specific tax forms in detail and provide instruction. For a list of publications online, or to request publications by mail, go to: http://www.dor.state.wi.us/html/taxpubs.html.
Online Filing Information
Taxpayers can prepare and electronically file their federal and state tax returns with tax preparation software available on the web or on CD-ROM. Tax preparation vendors charge a fee ranging from approximately $40 on up to prepare and e-file your federal and state returns.
A list of vendors approved by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer electronic filing of federal and Wisconsin state returns is available at: http://www.dor.state.wi.us/eserv/webased.html.
If you meet certain requirements you may be able to file your tax forms online for free using the Wisconsin Free-File Program. Use this link http://www.dor.state.wi.us/html/taxind.html to get to the individual income tax forms web page. Then, click on the Free-File link to see the current status of this program and when it will be open for filing in 2007.
Determining what form to file
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue website provides basic information on state tax forms such as WI-Z, Form 1, and Form 1A, and help in determining which form you should file. http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/ise/which.html.
If you are non-resident of Wisconsin or a part-year resident
If you are a part-year resident or non-resident of Wisconsin and earned income in Wisconsin you may still have to file a Wisconsin income tax return. For help determining your status or for more information on Form 1NPR go to:
http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/pcs/npr.html.
If you are unsure of your residency status, fill out Form 827 to determine legal residence:
http://www.dor.state.wi.us/forms/misc/i-827.pdf.
Non-Wisconsin U.S. residents can find tax information for their state of residence by using the Federation of Tax Administrators site: http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/link/FORMS.html.
Checking on your refund
Check your state refund status by inquiring on the internet, via e-mail, or by telephone. If you file by mail/in paper, remember that processing takes 3 to 8 weeks depending on the date of filing.
| Internet | https://prd2p.it.state.wi.us/dor/faqs/inquiry.html
| E-mail | https://prd2p.it.state.wi.us/dor/faqs/refund.html
| Phone | 1-608-266-2772 (Madison) or 1-414-227-4000 (Milwaukee) | |
Wisconsin Tax Help
For questions about your Wisconsin tax return call 1-414-227-4000 or 1-608-266-2772, or go to the Frequently Asked Questions page at: http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/index.html.
Finding Forms
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service maintains a website where you can download and print tax forms and instructions on how to complete the forms. Links to federal and state forms websites are available on the UWM Libraries homepage http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries under "Online Reference." Paper tax forms are NOT available at the UWM Libraries although copies of forms may be available at a local public library.
To download and print forms and instructions use http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97817,00.html or request forms be mailed by calling 1-800-829-3676.
There are also several publications available designed to explain specific tax forms in detail and provide instruction. For a list of publications online or to request publications by mail go to: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/lists/0,,id=97819,00.html.
Online Filing Information
Tax Information for Students
Information for International Students and Scholars
Checking on Your Refund
Federal Tax Help
For help with commonly asked questions call 1-800-829-1040 or, in Milwaukee, 1-414-297-1662.
Get answers to frequently asked questions online: http://www.irs.gov/help/article/0,,id=120193,00.html.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available for low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly.
For general information on VITA and program dates and times, go to:
http://www.dor.state.wi.us/faqs/pcs/vita.html.
Alien = A term used by the United States Internal Revenue Service for an individual who is not a U.S. citizen.
Earned Income = Income from personal services as distinguished from income generated by property or other sources. Earned income includes all amounts received as wages, tips, bonuses, other employee compensation, and self-employment income, whether in the form of money, services, or property.
E-file = Electronic filing of tax returns.
Internal Revenue Service = Also known as the IRS, this is the federal agency responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax reporting and collection laws. It is a division of the Treasury Department.
Joint Return = A return combining the income, exemptions, credits, and deductions of a husband and wife.
Nonresident = An individual who is in the United States for a temporary purpose of a relatively short nature (usually less than five years). Although required to file a tax return annually, only income from U.S. sources is taxed.
Resident = An individual who is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or a nonimmigrant who has been in the United States sufficient time to qualify to file as a resident.
Resident Alien = A citizen of another country who lives in the United States and/or has resident status by law or visa, or passes the substantial presence test.
Student Loan Interest Deduction = An adjustment to income for interest paid during the year on qualified higher-education loans.
Taxable Income = Adjusted gross income less itemized deductions or the standard deduction, less allowable personal and dependent exemption amounts.
Unearned Income = Taxable income other than that received for services performed (earned income). Unearned income includes money received for the investment of money or other property, such as interest, dividends, and royalties. It also includes pensions, alimony, unemployment compensation, and other income that is not earned.
Withholding = The retention of a given amount of a salary or wages by an employer on behalf of the government for tax purposes. Withholding is the term used to describe a portion of your check amount that an employer is required to pay directly to federal, state, and city taxation authorities in anticipation of your annual income tax obligations. The check you receive, therefore, is for less than you earned during the pay period. The amounts withheld are credited toward your tax bill so that most taxpayers will have to pay relatively little additional money at annual tax filing time and many will qualify for a refund of money from the withheld amount.
jthull /llb 2/23/2007
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