Filing a Utah state income tax return can seem daunting, but understanding the process and staying current with any changes to the laws or requirements can help make it a smoother experience.
This article will cover the deadlines for filing a Utah state income tax return and other information such as which forms you’ll need to complete, how to gather the necessary documentation, your options for filing (paper or electronic), what to do if you need to make changes or amendments to your return, and how to resolve disputes or challenges with the Utah State Tax Commission.
Deadlines for Filing a Utah State Income Tax Return
The deadline for filing a federal income tax return is typically April 15th of each year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for the 2020 tax year was extended to May 17th. It’s important to note that this extension only applies to federal income tax returns and not to state income tax returns. The deadline for filing a Utah state income tax return is typically April 15th, which aligns with the federal deadline. However, you can request an extension if you cannot file by the deadline.
The type of form that you’ll need to complete for your Utah state income tax return will depend on your income, filing status, and other factors.
The Utah State Tax Commission has a variety of tax forms available on its website, including:
- Form TC-40 is the most commonly used form for filing a Utah state income tax return. It’s used by individuals who receive wages, salaries, or other taxable income during the tax year.
- Form TC-40A: This form is similar to Form TC-40, but it’s used by individuals who received only interest or dividends during the tax year.
- Form TC-40B: This form is used by businesses, estates, trusts, and other organizations to file a Utah state income tax return.
It’s important to carefully review each form’s instructions to determine which is appropriate for your situation. You can find the forms and instructions on the Utah State Tax Commission website.
Necessary Documentation
To complete your Utah state income tax return, you’ll need to have certain documents on hand, such as:
- W-2 forms: These forms show the wages and salaries you earned during the tax year and the taxes that are withheld. You should receive a W-2 form from each employer you worked for during the tax year.
- 1099 forms: These forms show other types of income you may have received during the tax year, such as interest, dividends, or freelance income. You will receive a 1099 form from each payer of this type of income.
- Receipts for deductible expenses: If you’re claiming deductions on your Utah state income tax return (e.g., charitable donations, business expenses), you’ll need documentation to support your claims. Examples include receipts, bank statements, or other records.
It’s best to start gathering your documents as soon as possible since it takes time to locate all the necessary documents. It’s also a good idea to organize your documents to make it easy to find what you need when preparing your Utah state income tax return.
Filing Options
You have two options for filing your Utah state income tax return: paper or electronic.
Paper filing:
Pros:
- It’s a simple process and requires no special software or equipment.
Cons:
- It can be time-consuming to fill out the forms by hand, and there is a higher risk of errors or omissions. There is also a risk of your return getting lost in the mail.
Electronic filing:
To file electronically using the Utah State Tax Commission’s website, you’ll need to create an account and follow the prompts to enter your personal and tax information. You’ll also need a copy of your federal income tax return, as some information is collected from there.
Pros:
- It’s a faster process, and there is a lower risk of errors or omissions. You’ll receive an electronic confirmation when your return has been received and accepted.
Cons:
- You’ll need access to a computer and an internet connection, and you’ll need to be comfortable using online tools.
If you’re not comfortable with either of these options or your tax situation is particularly complex, consider hiring a tax attorney to do it for you. A tax attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your return is accurate and complete.
Disputes or Challenges
If you disagree with the assessment of your Utah state income tax return by the Tax Commission, or if you have questions about your tax liability, you have a few options for resolving the issue.
Contact the Tax Commission
One option is to contact the Tax Commission directly to discuss your concerns. The Tax Commission can provide clarification or additional information that can resolve the issue.
Mediation
If getting in touch with the Tax Commission doesn’t help, there is the option to enter into mediation. Mediation is a voluntary process that allows you to work with a neutral third party to try to agree on the issue.
Appeals Process
The appeals process involves presenting your case to a judge, who will review the evidence and decide.
Hire a tax attorney if you need assistance navigating the dispute resolution process. The dispute resolution process can take some time, so it’s a good idea to act as soon as possible if you believe there is an issue with your Utah state income tax return.
Bottom Line
In this article, we’ve discussed the deadlines for filing a Utah state income tax return, which forms you’ll need to complete, how to gather the necessary documents, your options for filing, and how to resolve disputes or challenges with the Utah State Tax Commission.
Understanding the process for filing a Utah state income tax return and staying current with any changes to the laws or requirements is important to ensure that you comply and minimize the risk of errors or disputes.
Whether you file your return or hire a tax attorney, it’s important to carefully review the instructions and seek resources if you have questions or need guidance.
