Grand Canyon Times

With just a week left until the April 18 filing due date, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) would like to remind taxpayers to file on time and offer some tips. For those who file individual estimated tax payments on a quarterly basis, the deadline for the first quarter tax year 2022 filing is April 18, 2022 as well.

In Arizona, full-year resident or part-year resident individuals must file a tax return if they are:

• Single or married filing separately and gross income (GI) is greater than $12,500;
• Head of household and GI is greater than $18,800; or
• Married and filing jointly and GI is greater than $25,100.

Note: For non-resident individuals, the threshold numbers above are prorated based on the individual's Arizona gross income to their federal adjusted gross income.

To expedite the processing of a return and reduce errors, ADOR strongly encourages taxpayers to e-file. E-filing is secure, includes all the required information and documents, and is free for individuals with an adjusted gross income below $73,000. Over 95 percent of individual tax returns have been e-filed so far this year. Please note: If you submit a paper return, it can take 8-10 weeks to process, whereas e-filed returns take on average 2 weeks.

Tips to avoid delays in processing your returns:

• Make sure key fields like a tax ID number or social security number are fully entered and correct in all appropriate boxes.
• Verify all the necessary lines and forms are filled out accurately, then correct information or miscalculations.
• Ensure all forms, carryover totals, and supporting documents are correctly stated.
• Make sure all income, withholding, and payments are reported accurately.
• Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms as the taxpayer is responsible for this information. 
• If sending a paper return, use the fillable forms to reduce ADOR keying errors that may occur when interpreting a taxpayer's handwriting. 
• Ensure to send it to the correct address based on if the taxpayer is making a payment or expecting a refund. Please check the form for mailing instructions.
• Remember to sign and date the return.

Without key information, the Department spends time researching and connecting the return or payment to an account, thus delaying the return process. ADOR does its best to match the return or payment to the correct taxpayer based on information obtained.

Taxpayers requiring more time to file their returns can fill out Form 204 for an extension, which is due by April 18. As a reminder, an extension does not grant a taxpayer more time to pay the tax owed. If a taxpayer has already been granted an extension through the IRS, an Arizona extension is not required but should be indicated on box 82F when filing the income tax return.

Original source can be found here.