The deadline to file 2025 individual tax returns on April 15, 2026 is fast approaching. With just one more month to make a plan, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) highly recommends filing electronically and using direct deposit.
E-filing a return will reduce most errors that delay the processing of a return. E-filing offers greater security and efficiency, allowing taxpayers to receive their refunds significantly quicker—up to eight times faster than using paper returns.
Choosing Direct Deposit is the best option regardless of whether the return is filed electronically or by mail. If a bank account rejects the refund deposit, ADOR will send a paper check.
Whether taxpayers choose to E-file or file by paper, ADOR recommends keeping these five essential steps in mind to ensure an individual income tax return is processed quickly and accurately:
- Pay Special Attention to Tax Credit Codes: Use correct Qualifying Charity and Foster Care Organization Codes on Forms 321 and 352, Public School CTDS Codes on Form 322, or School Tuition Organization Codes on Form 323.
- Consistent Filing Status: Match the filing status information throughout the return. If filing single or head of household, leave spouse information empty. Compute deductions based on filing status.
- Send Only One Return Per SSN: A return can only be filed once for a Social Security Number per year, which means if an individual filed as married filing jointly, they cannot also file as married filing separately or head of household. If a person suspects being a victim of tax-related identity theft, notifying the Department’s Identity Theft Call Center.
- Double-check your calculation: Check to ensure adjustments, deduction amounts, income amounts, percentages, and other calculations equal the correct amount.
- Completed Return Information: A return must be completed in its entirety and with accuracy for ADOR to process; include essential items like full name, taxpayer identification number, address, and filing status.
Individual income tax filers may qualify for free tax preparation assistance:
- Arizona Free File Alliance - Offers a free electronic filing option for Arizona taxpayers who meet specific criteria. Last year, around 67,500 taxpayers used Free File software, which helped them avoid fees, minimize costly errors, and receive their refund faster. To guarantee that no fees are charged, individuals must go through the Free Electronic Filing for Individual options.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program - Delivers free support to individuals 50 and older who cannot afford professional service. The AARP Tax Aid covers filing both federal and Arizona returns.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) - Provides free tax help to people who generally make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. Taxpayers can inquire about free preparation through VITA.
Taxpayers can check on their Arizona tax refund status anytime by clicking the “Where’s My Refund?” link. Allow 8-10 weeks before contacting the Department.
Those who need more time to file can submit a Form 204 on or before April 15 to request an extension. As a reminder, an extension does not grant more time to pay taxes owed. Taxpayers who have already been granted an extension through the IRS do not need to submit a separate State of Arizona extension request. They will need to simply check the box on their return indicating the approved federal extension.
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