The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced it will open state individual income tax filing season  Jan. 19. For the benefit and convenience of Minnesotans, this is the same day as the Internal Revenue Service.

The filing deadline to submit 2015 tax returns is April 18, rather than the traditional April 15 date. This is also the same day as the Internal Revenue Service.

As the filing season nears, Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly reminded taxpayers that filing electronically helps improve the accuracy of a return and choosing direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive a refund.

“Making sure the right refund amount goes to the right person is our top priority,” said Bauerly. “Minnesotans can help by using electronic filing and direct deposit, which is the most secure and effective way to get your refund.”

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is the most secure way to get a refund. Last year, over 2 million Minnesota taxpayers used electronic software to file their taxes.

Direct deposit is an easy and convenient way to get a refund. Individuals can put your banking information on your tax return and get your refund deposited into your bank account and not have to worry about receiving the refund check in the mail. Direct deposit is available whether you file your return electronically or by mail.

The department takes protecting your personal information and your tax refund very seriously. We work to combat and identify theft-related tax fraud by taking the time necessary to review and verify the information on all tax returns to make sure the right refund goes to the right person. During tax season individuals will be able to track where their refund is in the process by using our improved Where’s My Refund? system.

The improved system will help taxpayers learn where their refund is in the process. They will be able to track which of the four stages their refund is in and whether they need to take any action to allow the state to complete the processing of a refund. Taxpayers will see the date their refund was issued when it is finished processing.

Taxpayers may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers at locations across Minnesota for your federal and state income tax returns. Qualified taxpayers are age 60 or older, disabled, speak limited or no English or have income less than $54,000 per year.