Filing your 2016 North Dakota tax return is an important step, even years after the original due date. Whether you're an individual, a part-year resident, or a small business owner, submitting a complete and accurate income tax return helps you stay compliant with state and federal tax laws. If you're owed a refund, filing may still allow you to claim it, depending on the Internal Revenue Service's time limits.
This guide simplifies the process by providing simple, step-by-step instructions. It covers everything from which tax forms to use to filing, where to send a paper return, and tracking your refund status. The process may seem complex initially, but it's manageable for most taxpayers once you understand the filing requirements and gather the proper documents.
We’ve written this guide clearly, avoiding technical jargon wherever possible. Suppose you're unfamiliar with the tax system or haven't filed a federal income tax return. In that case, this article will help you understand what actions to take, how to report your income, and when to pay any balance owed to avoid penalties and interest.
Your filing requirement for a 2016 North Dakota tax return depends on your residency status, income sources, and whether you were required to file a federal income tax return. Individuals who lived or earned income in the state during the 2016 tax year are often required to file a return, even if they have since moved or changed their tax situation.
You must file a North Dakota tax return for 2016 if you are a full-year resident and must file a 2016 federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service. This applies regardless of whether all your income was earned outside of North Dakota.
Additionally, you are considered a full-year resident—even if you were not domiciled in North Dakota—if you had a permanent home in the state and spent more than 210 days (seven months) there in 2016. This is known as the statutory 7-month rule.
You must file a 2016 income tax return if both of the following conditions apply:
If you were a nonresident in 2016, you must still file a North Dakota tax return if:
North Dakota source income includes compensation for work performed in the state, earnings from property, business operations, and other taxable sales or services connected to the state.
If you owned an S corporation that conducted business in North Dakota or earned income from North Dakota sources, you may be required to file a 2016 North Dakota income tax return. The corporation must file Form 60, and you will likely receive a Schedule K-1 reporting your share of the income, which must be reported on your return.
Minnesota residents are generally exempt from filing a North Dakota income tax return if the only income they earned in the state came from personal or professional services and they returned to their Minnesota residence at least once each month. However, if North Dakota income tax was withheld from your wages, you must file a return to claim a refund.
Understanding who must file helps prevent missed filing obligations, delayed refunds, or unnecessary interest and penalties. If you fall into any of the categories above, filing your 2016 return—even if late—is essential for compliance.
To complete your 2016 North Dakota tax return, you’ll need the correct forms based on your filing situation. Choosing the proper tax forms ensures that your return is processed accurately and you receive any refund you're owed immediately. You can access the state’s official electronic filing resources for North Dakota fillable forms.
The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner made all North Dakota 2016 tax forms available. They can be downloaded or requested by mail. Use the correct version from the appropriate tax year to avoid processing delays.
All 2016 North Dakota tax forms were available for download from the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner’s website. You could also request them by phone, fax, email, or standard mail. Use only official forms for your 2016 income tax return to avoid processing errors or rejections.
Choosing the correct tax form helps ensure your return is complete and accurate. If unsure which form applies, review the state's instructions or consult a qualified tax preparer.
Preparing your 2016 North Dakota tax return begins with gathering documents and determining which tax form to use. Most taxpayers will start by completing their 2016 federal income tax return, which is the basis for calculating state income tax. The steps below are organized to guide you through both simple and complex filings.
Make sure you complete the following:
If your tax situation is straightforward, follow these steps:
Form ND-1 requires additional steps and calculations:
You must also complete Schedule ND-1NR:
If you are an S corporation owner:
Completing your income tax return accurately helps avoid IRS or state inquiries, refund processing delays, and potential interest or penalties.
North Dakota offered multiple options to file a 2016 tax return. While most taxpayers used electronic methods, paper return filing remained available. Choose the method that best fits your tax situation and comfort level.
You could electronically file your 2016 North Dakota tax return using:
Paper return filers needed to:
Retain a copy of your complete return for your records.
Choosing the correct filing method ensures your tax return is processed accurately and reduces delays in receiving your refund.
Several payment options were available if you owed tax on your 2016 North Dakota tax return. Timely payment was required to avoid interest and penalties, even if you filed for an extension. You can always check the state’s website for payment plan options.
The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner offers payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount. These arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis and require that interest continue to accrue until full payment is received.
If you anticipate owing more than $1,000 for the following tax year, you must make estimated income tax payments using Form ND-1ES. Payments were due in four installments throughout 2017.
Understanding your payment options and deadlines is essential to avoid additional costs. Whether paying electronically or by mail, accuracy in the payment process ensures timely credit to your account.
After submitting your 2016 North Dakota tax return, you can check your refund status or verify any outstanding balance. The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner provided tools to help taxpayers monitor their returns and payments efficiently.
You can check your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the state tax department’s website. To use this tool, you’ll need the following:
For electronic filers, wait at least two weeks after filing before checking your refund. If you filed a paper return, allow at least six weeks.
Typical refund timelines for the 2016 tax year were:
Delays may occur if the return was incomplete, contained errors, or was selected for review.
Choosing direct deposit allows faster access to your refund. Accurately enter your bank routing number, account number, and account type. If incorrect details are submitted, the deposit may be rejected, and a paper check will be mailed instead.
If your tax return was adjusted or a payment was not included, you would receive a balance due notice from the Office of State Tax Commissioner. The notice will detail the amount owed, any penalties or interest, and your available payment options.
Tracking your refund or responding promptly to notices can help you avoid additional interest and ensure your income tax return is processed smoothly.
Review the following checklist before submitting your 2016 North Dakota income tax return to ensure everything is complete and accurate. A thorough review helps avoid delays in processing or refund issuance.
Completing this checklist minimizes processing issues and helps ensure your income tax filing is accepted without errors.
If you missed the original deadline for your 2016 North Dakota tax return, please promptly file a paper return. The Internal Revenue Service may charge interest and penalties on unpaid income tax. If you're due a refund, you may still claim it, but the IRS refund window is limited to three years from the original tax year deadline.
You can no longer electronically file a 2016 income tax return using most platforms. However, taxpayers may complete the proper tax forms and submit a paper return by mail. Ensure your income, payments, and federal income tax return are accurately reported. Ensure all pages are signed and completed before mailing them to the correct address to avoid processing delays.
To check the refund status of your 2016 North Dakota tax return, visit the tax department’s website and use the refund tracker tool. You’ll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and exact refund amount. Paper return filers should wait at least six weeks. Accurate income reporting and use of the correct form help avoid delays in processing refunds.
To file a 2016 North Dakota income tax return, taxpayers may use Form ND-EZ or Form ND-1, depending on complexity. Nonresidents and part-year residents must also complete Schedule ND-1NR. S corporation owners must file Form 60 and report their income using Schedule K-1. All tax forms should reflect the correct tax year and be mailed as a complete paper return.
You may still claim a refund from your 2016 income tax return if you are within the Internal Revenue Service's three-year limit. You must file a paper return, including your federal income tax return and supporting tax forms. Late filings will not be penalized if you are owed a refund, but report all income accurately.
Minnesota residents who earned only wage income in North Dakota may be exempt from filing due to a reciprocity agreement. However, if North Dakota income tax was withheld, you must file a state income tax return to claim a refund. Submit a paper return with the correct form and documentation. Taxpayers can also file Form NDW-R to stop future withholding.
The state may apply penalties and interest if you did not pay your 2016 North Dakota income tax by the due date. Even with an approved extension to file, payments were still required by April 18, 2017. The Internal Revenue Service and the state assess interest monthly on unpaid balances. Paying promptly helps reduce additional charges for that tax year.