Filing your 2016 Iowa tax return might seem outdated, but it's still worth taking care of if you missed the original deadline or need to correct an earlier filing. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, a part-year resident, or a small business owner, understanding how to file an Iowa tax return for a prior year is key to staying in good standing with the state.
This guide will walk you through filing your 2016 Iowa individual income tax return. It breaks everything down into clear steps, from determining if you need to file to choosing the correct forms and completing each section accurately. We’ll also cover how to submit your return, pay any taxes owed, and what to do if you're eligible for a refund.
Even though the due date for the 2016 tax year was May 1, 2017, Iowa still accepts late returns. Filing as soon as possible helps you avoid additional penalties and interest. Plus, if you're due a refund, you can still claim your money—depending on federal and state deadlines. This article is designed for those unfamiliar with the Iowa filing process.
Not everyone must file a 2016 Iowa tax return, but many individuals still fall under the filing obligation based on their income, residency, and federal filing requirements. Review your filing status and total revenue from that year to determine if you need to file.
You were generally required to file an Iowa income tax return for 2016 if:
Whether or not you needed to file depended primarily on your filing status and how much you earned in 2016. The state used the following thresholds to determine filing requirements:
If your income for the year met or exceeded these amounts, you were expected to file a return. For married taxpayers filing separately, the requirement applies individually.
Another key factor was whether you had to file a federal return. Iowa likely required it if the IRS required you to file based on your income, deductions, or credits. The state generally mirrors federal rules regarding who must file, though some Iowa-specific rules may apply.
Some taxpayers needed to file even if their income was under the threshold. For example:
If you're unsure whether you qualify to file, reviewing your federal return from 2016 is the best place to start.
Before filing, ensure you have all the required forms and documents ready. This helps reduce errors and makes completing your 2016 Iowa tax return more straightforward.
The IA 1040 is the primary state tax form used to file individual income taxes in Iowa. It covers all major sections, including income, deductions, tax owed, and refund calculations. It’s a two-page form similar in structure to the federal 1040. You must complete various supporting schedules depending on your income sources, deductions, and credits.
Most of these schedules mirror sections of the IRS tax return. They often rely on information from your federal forms, so have your federal return handy while working through your Iowa forms.
To fill out your return completely and accurately, gather:
If you're self-employed, you’ll also need your federal Schedule C and any business income and expenses documentation. Iowa uses much of the same data, but you may need to make adjustments for state-specific rules.
Having these items ready can save time and help you take advantage of any opportunities to reduce your debt or increase your refund.
Filing your 2016 Iowa tax return involves more than just filling out a form. Each section of the IA 1040 requires accurate information, and mistakes can lead to delays, lost refunds, or penalties. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you understand the process from start to finish.
Begin on Page 1 of the IA 1040 by entering your:
If you were 65 or older or legally blind at the end of 2016, check the appropriate boxes to claim additional exemptions.
Select the correct filing status for 2016. Your choices include:
Your filing status affects your income threshold, standard deduction, and credit eligibility. Choose based on your marital status and household structure as of December 31, 2016.
Claim personal and dependent exemptions:
Total these amounts and enter them on the designated line.
Use Lines 1–14 to report all taxable income:
Add these sources together to determine your gross income.
Subtract any adjustments, such as:
Subtract the total adjustments from your gross income to calculate net income.
Iowa offers a partial deduction for federal tax paid. You’ll enter this on Line 31. This step also includes a federal tax add-back if you deducted state income taxes on your federal Schedule A.
Subtract either the standard or itemized deductions (from Schedule A) from your net income. This gives you your taxable income.
Refer to the Iowa 2016 tax tables for your income bracket and corresponding tax. Enter this tax on Line 39.
Use Lines 40–58 to apply:
These can reduce what you owe.
Compare your total tax liability with your payments and credits. If you’ve overpaid, you’re due a refund. If you’ve underpaid, you’ll owe money to the state.
This process may seem lengthy, but following each step carefully can help you file confidently and accurately. Iowa uses much of the same data as your federal return, so completing that beforehand will simplify things.
Once you’ve completed your 2016 Iowa tax return, the next step is choosing how to file it. You can either submit your return electronically or mail a paper copy. Each method has its benefits depending on your preferences and situation.
E-filing is often the faster and more reliable option. While major tax software may no longer support electronic filing for 2016, some providers or tax professionals may still offer back-year e-file services.
Benefits of e-filing:
If you qualify, you can use a free filing service. In 2016, the Iowa Department of Revenue partnered with software providers to offer free options based on income, age, and other factors. Though the filing window has passed, this remains useful for future years or to check if your provider still offers late e-file support.
If electronic filing isn’t an option, you must file by mail. Print and complete the IA 1040 along with any supporting forms and schedules.
Send paper returns to:
Iowa Income Tax Document Processing
PO Box 9187
Des Moines, IA 50306-9187
Make sure to:
Paper filing may take longer, especially for late returns, but it remains a valid and widely used option.
Whether you e-file or mail it in, keep a copy of your full return and supporting documents. Iowa recommends retaining your records for at least three years. This can help if questions come up later or if you apply for a loan or financial aid.
After completing your 2016 Iowa tax return, you’ll either owe a balance or qualify for a refund. Here’s how to handle both situations.
If your return shows that you owe money, Iowa offers several ways to make a payment:
Even if you couldn’t pay immediately, filing the return promptly was still important. It helped avoid a failure-to-file penalty, typically higher than the interest alone.
You may be eligible for a refund if you overpaid or had too much withheld. You could request a direct deposit or receive a paper check. Use Iowa’s “Where’s My Refund” tool to check your refund status online. You’ll need your Social Security number and the refund amount on your return.
Whether you owe or expect a refund, handling payments or refunds correctly ensures you stay in good standing and receive any earned funds without delays.
Before you send off your 2016 Iowa tax return, take a few minutes to run through this checklist. It can help you avoid common mistakes that delay processing or trigger unnecessary penalties.
Taking a few extra minutes to review your return can help ensure it’s complete and accurate. It may also prevent issues later if you need to find records or answer questions about your 2016 taxes.
Some taxpayers have special filing situations based on how they earned income or where they lived during the year. If you were a sole proprietor or a part-year resident of Iowa in 2016, there are a few extra things to consider.
If you operated a business as a sole proprietor, you did not need to file a separate Iowa business return. Instead, you reported your business income directly on the IA 1040, using figures from your federal Schedule C.
That said, Iowa may require adjustments to what’s reported on your federal return. You may also qualify for Iowa-specific business credits listed on Form IA 148.
Keep records of business expenses, mileage, and equipment purchases. These can affect your income tax liability and potential deductions.
If you moved into or out of Iowa during 2016, you were considered a part-year resident. You should still file an Iowa return if you earned income while living there.
In this case, you must fill out Form IA 126 to allocate income between Iowa and any other state. This form helps determine the correct amount of Iowa tax owed based on your residency period and income sources.
Always double-check that you use the proper forms and complete all applicable schedules to avoid underpaying or overpaying your state taxes.
Even though the original filing deadline was May 1, 2017, you should submit your return as soon as possible. Filing late may result in penalties and monthly interest on unpaid taxes, but it's better than not filing. If you're due a refund, you may still be able to claim it depending on when the page was last reviewed or updated and state refund claim rules. Filing now helps protect your records and compliance.
The original 2016 Iowa tax forms are in the Iowa Department of Revenue’s archive. Each form page includes the date it was last reviewed or updated, which helps ensure accuracy. Use only official sources for the IA 1040 and schedules like IA 126 or IA 148. This topic is critical if you’re amending a previously filed return.
You can use Iowa’s “Where’s My Refund” tool to check the status of your 2016 refund, even for prior-year returns. To access the system, you'll need your Social Security number and your expected refund amount. While some older returns may take longer to process, updates are available if your return is still under review. Check whether the refund page was last reviewed for the current timeframes and available help options.
Yes, you may still owe income tax if you earned Iowa-source income during any part of 2016 while living in the state. Use Form IA 126 to allocate income between states. Whether you're a full-year or part-year resident, Iowa bases your tax obligation on where and how the income was earned, regardless of where you filed your federal return.
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