In 2018, over 85% of Indiana taxpayers filed their tax returns electronically, receiving refunds in as little as 10 to 14 days compared to up to 12 weeks for paper filings. For the 2019 tax year, that time difference could mean having extra money available when you need it most. Filing your Indiana tax return is more than a legal requirement. It is a way to protect your income, avoid costly penalties, and secure your earned deductions and credits.
Whether you are an individual taxpayer, a sole proprietor, or a small business owner, knowing how to file your Indiana tax return correctly will save you time and stress. This guide breaks the process into simple steps, from determining if you must file to choosing the proper Indiana state tax forms. You will also find precise instructions for preparing documents, deciding between e-filing and paper filing, making payments, and tracking your refund. The goal is to simplify the filing process confidently and without last-minute scrambling.
Every section of this article is based on official Indiana Department of Revenue guidance, so you can be sure the information is accurate and current for the 2019 tax year. These steps can reduce errors, speed processing, and ensure your return is complete. The sooner you file, the faster your refund will arrive, and the less you risk missing out on money that belongs to you. If you are ready to take control of your tax filing, start gathering your documents now and follow this guide through each stage.
Not everyone living or earning in Indiana must file a 2019 tax return, but knowing the rules is essential to avoid penalties or missing out on a refund you are entitled to. The Indiana Department of Revenue sets filing requirements based on residency status, income, and exemption amounts.
The bottom line is simple: if you lived in Indiana for any part of 2019 or earned income from Indiana sources, you should review the filing requirements carefully. Filing when required protects you from penalties, while filing when you are not required but had taxes withheld can put money back in your pocket. Before moving forward, determine your residency status, review your income, and check the applicable form instructions to see if you are required or eligible to file.
Meeting the correct filing deadline is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary costs. For the 2019 tax year:
If you cannot file by April 15, request extra time using Form IT-9 or file for a federal extension. Both options gave you until November 14, 2020, to submit your return. Remember, an extension to the file is not an extension to pay. Any unpaid balance after April 15 still accrues penalties and interest.
Key 2019 Tax Law Changes:
Reviewing these changes before filing can help you claim all eligible credits and avoid mistakes that slow down your refund or increase your tax bill.
The form you use depends on your residency status and income sources. Form IT-40 is for full-year residents who lived in Indiana for all of 2019 and meet the filing requirements. Form IT-40PNR is for part-year residents or nonresidents with Indiana-source income. Form IT-40RNR applies to Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin residents who earned only Indiana wages under reciprocal agreements.
Most taxpayers must attach Schedule 3 to report exemptions and Schedule 7 to provide additional information. Schedule CT-40 is also required to calculate county tax, based on your county of residence and workplace as of January 1, 2019.
Depending on your situation, you may need:
Certain taxpayers may also need:
Indiana tax forms rely on data from your federal return, especially your Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Complete your federal Form 1040 or 1040SR before starting your state return. This step ensures accuracy and prevents mismatched numbers, which commonly cause delays in processing.
Filing your 2019 Indiana tax return is easier when you break it into clear steps. Following the process in order helps prevent errors, delays, and missed opportunities for deductions or credits.
Before you start, make sure you have:
Your Indiana filing status must match your federal filing status.
For most full-year residents, this will be Form IT-40. Follow the form line-by-line:
Include Schedules 3, 7, and CT-40 at a minimum. Add other schedules or credit forms as needed. Arrange them in numerical order behind the main form.
You can e-file for faster processing and fewer errors or file a paper return by mail. The following section explains the pros and cons of each method. Working through each step carefully and in order will reduce the risk of delays, penalties, and missed refunds.
How you submit your 2019 Indiana tax return can affect how quickly your refund arrives and how likely you are to make mistakes.
E-filing is the fastest and most accurate way to file your Indiana taxes. According to the Indiana Department of Revenue, more than 85% of taxpayers filed electronically in 2018, and most received their refunds within 10 to 14 days.
Benefits of E-Filing:
How to E-File:
Paper filing may be necessary for those who prefer or are required to submit physical documents. Refunds for paper returns typically take 10 to 12 weeks.
Steps for Paper Filing:
Mailing Addresses:
Choosing e-file whenever possible will save you time, reduce stress, and get your refund sooner.
Once you complete your 2019 Indiana tax return, the next step is to report and pay any balance due. Paying on time will help you avoid interest and penalties.
The INTIME portal on the Indiana Department of Revenue’s website is the fastest way to pay. You can pay taxes online by:
This method is secure and recommended for most taxpayers. If you have completed your federal IRS return first, you will have the information you need to pay your state taxes accurately.
If you prefer mailing your payment:
You may be eligible for a payment plan through the INTIME portal if you cannot pay the full amount. Keep in mind:
Choosing the correct payment method depends on your preferences, budget, and timing. Paying electronically is generally faster, reduces human error, and helps you keep better records for future filings.
After filing your 2019 Indiana tax return, your refund will arrive faster if you e-file and choose direct deposit. The Indiana Department of Revenue offers several ways to check your refund status so you know exactly when to expect your payment.
Use the INTIME portal at the Indiana Department of Revenue website to track your refund status. You will need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount from your return. This is the quickest way to get updates.
Call (317) 233-4018 for 24/7 automated updates. Have your Social Security number and refund amount ready before you call.
Call (317) 232-2240 during business hours if you need additional help or if your refund is delayed. Representatives can review your account and explain any issues.
Processing Times:
If your refund is smaller than expected, part of it may have been applied to debts such as unpaid insurance premiums owed to a state agency, child support, student loans, or past-due taxes. You will receive a notice explaining any reductions.
Review this checklist before sending your 2019 Indiana tax return to ensure nothing is missing. Skipping even one step can cause delays or rejected filings.
A final review only takes a few minutes and can prevent weeks of delay in processing your refund.
If Social Security were your only income, you generally would not need to file an Indiana income tax return because the state does not tax these benefits. However, if you had taxes withheld from another source or want to claim credits for dependents, you may still want to prepare and file for a refund.
Filing your Indiana income tax return late can lead to a 10% failure-to-file penalty, plus a 5% monthly penalty for any unpaid tax. Interest is also charged from the original due date. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, preparing and filing promptly to reduce penalties and protect refunds for you and your dependents is better.
Yes, you can amend your Indiana income tax return using Form IT-40X. Include updated information about dependents and proof of eligibility. Preparing an amended return quickly is essential because you generally have a three-year window from the original filing date to claim additional deductions or credits. This can increase your refund or reduce taxes owed.
If you moved in or out of Indiana during 2019, you will likely need to file Form IT-40PNR for part-year residents. Gather documents for both periods, including income earned inside and outside Indiana. Preparing your return carefully ensures you claim the proper exemptions for yourself and your dependents while reporting income accurately for each residency period.
E-file your Indiana income tax return and choose direct deposit to speed up your refund. Prepare your documents early, double-check your dependents’ information, and verify Social Security numbers. Filing online reduces human error, which is a common cause of delays. Most electronic refunds arrive in 10 to 14 days, compared to 10 to 12 weeks for paper returns.
Schedule your free, confidential tax relief review today.
Copyright © 2025 Get Tax Relief Now
