Filing your Minnesota tax return for 2016 may still be necessary if you missed the original deadline, received a correction notice, or need to claim a refund. While most taxpayers file on time, some individuals and small business owners discover later that they were eligible for a refund or omitted essential details. Minnesota law allows you to file or amend older income tax returns within a limited timeframe, making it necessary to act quickly if the 2016 tax year still applies to you.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue requires residents, part-year residents, and even some nonresidents to file a state income tax return if their income exceeds certain thresholds. Filing is not only about compliance—it also ensures you're eligible for available state tax benefits like the property tax refund, homestead credit refund, and other refundable credits. Understanding the state’s 2016 tax rules helps you file accurately and avoid unnecessary interest or penalties, whether you're a wage earner, retiree, or sole proprietor.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for individuals and small businesses to file their 2016 Minnesota income tax return. You’ll learn which Minnesota forms to use, how to file electronically or by mail, where to find up-to-date instructions, and how to track your refund. The information in this article is designed to be beginner-friendly and easy to follow—even if you’re unfamiliar with tax terms, state rules, or federal filing requirements.
Whether or not you need to file a 2016 Minnesota income tax return depends on your residency status, income level, and filing situation. Full-year Minnesota residents were required to file a state return if they were also required to file a federal income tax return. In other words, if you filed a federal Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ for 2016, you likely needed to file a Minnesota Form M1.
Part-year residents—those who moved into or out of Minnesota during 2016—must file a return if their total income (from both in-state and out-of-state sources) exceeds $10,350. You must also file if you wish to claim property tax refunds, the homestead credit refund, or other credits from the state. Nonresidents must file if they earned Minnesota-source income and were physically present in the state for at least 183 days during the year or maintained a permanent home (abode) in Minnesota.
The filing obligation applies to a wide range of taxpayers:
Even if you weren't required to file, you may want to file voluntarily to claim a refund, especially if Minnesota income tax was withheld from your wages. Filing late could still allow you to recover money you're owed, but the Minnesota Department of Revenue only enables refund claims up to 3.5 years after the original due date. Review your income, federal forms, and state-specific rules to determine your filing obligation.
To file your 2016 Minnesota tax return, you must complete Form M1, the primary document individual taxpayers use. This two-page form calculates your Minnesota taxable income based on your federal return and any state-specific additions, subtractions, and credits. All residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents required to file must use this form. Remember to include a complete copy of your 2016 federal forms (Form 1040 and applicable schedules) when submitting your Minnesota return.
In addition to Form M1, you may need to attach one or more schedules, depending on your situation. Standard 2016 schedules include:
You won't file a separate Minnesota business return if you're self-employed or own a small business structured as a sole proprietorship. Instead, you'll include Schedule C from your federal return and transfer your business income totals to Form M1. This applies to anyone reporting freelance work, independent contracting, or rental property income.
All official Minnesota tax forms, schedules, and instructions for 2016 can be downloaded from the Minnesota Department of Revenue website or accessed in person at select library or government service locations. If you print forms, use white paper and black ink, and avoid adding symbols or dollar signs to your entries. Proper use of forms ensures accurate processing and reduces the risk of delay or rejection.
Filing your 2016 Minnesota income tax return starts with collecting the proper documents and understanding how to fill out Form M1 accurately. Reporting income, credits, or filing status errors can delay your refund or trigger interest and penalties. Whether you're an individual taxpayer or a sole proprietor, this section will guide you through the process.
Make sure you have the following on hand:
Below is a simplified walkthrough of the key parts of Form M1:
Line 1: Federal taxable income
Line 2: State income tax or sales tax addition (if you itemized federally)
Line 3: Additional income (e.g., out-of-state bonds)
Lines 4–7: Subtotal income and adjustments
Line 8: Minnesota taxable income
If you're a self-employed filer or run a sole proprietorship, follow these steps:
Avoid these frequent filing errors:
Minnesota offers electronic and paper filing options for your 2016 income tax return. Choosing the proper method depends on your comfort with technology, access to tax software, and how quickly you want to receive your refund. In most cases, e-filing is faster and more accurate, while paper filing may be necessary if you're including unusual schedules or lack internet access.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue encourages e-filing for faster processing and fewer errors. You can e-file your 2016 return using:
Filing online allows quicker validation of your forms, automatic math checks, and direct deposit of your refund. To find approved e-file providers, visit the department’s website and search for “Approved Software Providers.”
If you choose to file by mail, follow these steps carefully to avoid delays:
Mail your completed return to:
Minnesota Individual Income Tax
Mail Station 0010
St. Paul, MN 55145-0010
If you do not include a payment, use this address. If you submit a check, use the department's website's payment voucher system to generate a voucher and follow the mailing instructions on that page.
If you owe Minnesota income tax for the 2016 tax year, you must pay the full amount due—even if you're filing late. The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers multiple payment options to help taxpayers pay safely and efficiently. Whether you're submitting a one-time payment or need to arrange a plan, it's essential to understand your choices and any interest or penalties that may apply.
You can pay your 2016 Minnesota income tax online using several secure options:
These tools offer secure, fast payment methods and help you meet the required payment date to avoid interest or penalties.
If you prefer to pay by mail:
Print forms clearly and use correct information to ensure accurate processing.
If you cannot pay the full amount owed:
Setting up a plan helps you remain in compliance with state tax rules and may prevent collection actions.
After submitting your Minnesota income tax return, you can track the status of your refund or check if you still owe a balance. The Minnesota Department of Revenue provides several tools to help individual taxpayers easily monitor their return and payment details.
Use the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool by following these steps:
The system will show:
This tool is available 24/7 and updates daily.
If you don’t have internet access, you can call:
The phone system requires the same information as the online tool.
E-filed returns with direct deposit are usually processed faster than paper returns. Delays may occur if your return requires review, is missing documentation, or includes credits like the homestead credit refund or property tax refund return. Filing early and using accurate information helps avoid slowdowns.
Before submitting your 2016 Minnesota income tax return, use this final checklist to ensure everything is complete, accurate, and compliant with state rules. Missing documents or incorrect information can delay your refund, cause penalties, or result in your return being rejected by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
If you’re unsure about details, visit the department’s website, use free tax assistance programs, or connect with a tax professional.
For official forms, payment tools, and refund tracking, visit these Minnesota Department of Revenue pages:
Yes. You can still file a 2016 Minnesota income tax return to claim a refund or correct an error. However, you must file within 3.5 years of the original due date (April 18, 2017). After that, you may lose your right to a refund. Late returns may also be subject to interest and penalties if taxes were owed but not paid by the original deadline.
To amend your 2016 Minnesota tax return, file Form M1X and include corrected Minnesota forms, updated federal forms, and any new documentation. Clearly explain the reason for the changes. You generally have 3.5 years from the original filing date to claim additional refunds. Amended returns can help you claim missed credits, adjust reported income, or fix math errors on your originally filed income tax return.
No. If you’re a sole proprietor, report your business income on your return using Schedule C from your federal return. Transfer the totals to Form M1 to calculate your Minnesota taxable income. There is no separate state business tax return for sole proprietors. Depending on expenses, you may qualify for certain credits and exemptions, and you must include any estimated taxes paid for 2016.
If you can’t pay your full 2016 balance, wait for a bill from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, then call 651-556-3003 or 1-800-657-3909 to request a plan. A $50 setup fee applies, and interest continues to accrue. Plans are available for individual taxpayers, including self-employed filers. You may be asked to provide financial details. Timely payments help avoid further penalties and state collection actions.
Yes, if you’re within the 3.5-year refund claim window from the April 18, 2017, due date. Filing now could allow you to recover Minnesota income tax withheld in 2016 or claim refundable credits, such as the property tax refund or Working Family Credit. Use the correct Minnesota tax forms and attach all required documentation. After the deadline passes, the refund is forfeited even if you were eligible.
You can download 2016 Minnesota tax forms from the Minnesota Department of Revenue website, including Form M1 and Schedule M1REF. Visit www.revenue.state.mn.us, search for “2016 forms,” and select the needed forms and instructions. Many libraries and tax assistance programs may also carry archived print forms. Ensure you use only the 2016 versions to avoid errors, especially when filing late or amended returns.
If your 2016 refund hasn’t arrived, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the Minnesota Department of Revenue website or call 1-800-657-3676. You’ll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the exact refund amount. The tool shows whether your return was received, processed, or delayed. Filing errors, missing documentation, or incorrect bank info can slow refunds, so double-check your records and contact the department if needed.
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