It may initially appear difficult to file your Mississippi tax return for 2014, but knowing the procedure can greatly simplify it. All taxpayers in the state are expected to accurately and timely prepare and file their income tax returns yearly. This guide will give you detailed instructions on how to finish your return without needless stress, regardless of whether you are working with a tax preparer or managing your own taxes.
For most filers, the process begins by gathering the right tax information, including wages reported by your employer, receipts for deductions, and a copy of your federal tax return. Having these forms ready helps you determine your filing status, estimate what you may owe, and claim any credits or refunds you are eligible for. Ensuring that your return is thorough, examined, and error-free is important to minimize penalties and optimize your refund.
From figuring out who needs to file taxes to selecting the appropriate forms and filing your return by the deadline, this article will guide you through every step. It also describes how to request an installment plan from the Department of Revenue, how to track your refund after your return is filed, and how to pay if you owe money. You can confidently prepare your Mississippi income tax return, even if it has been a few years since your last filing, if you follow clear instructions and doable steps.
Understanding who must file and what changed in 2014 is the first step in the tax filing process. Mississippi requires residents, part-year residents, and some non-residents to complete an income tax return if their income exceeds certain thresholds. These rules ensure that all taxpayers report their wages, deductions, and credits properly, whether they prepare their taxes or rely on a tax preparer.
You must file a Mississippi tax return for 2014 if any of the following apply to you:
These requirements reflect Mississippi’s effort to ensure accurate income reporting, whether from wages, self-employment, or other sources.
Several important legislative updates affected the 2014 income tax return:
These changes highlight why it is important for taxpayers to carefully review tax information each year before completing their forms. Even small adjustments in rules can affect how much you owe, what credits you can claim, or how your refund is processed.
You need the correct forms before you can prepare your Mississippi tax return. The Mississippi Department of Revenue is the only trusted source for official documents. Using unofficial or outdated forms can delay processing, cause mistakes, and sometimes invalidate a return. Always download forms directly from the state’s website to ensure accuracy.
The forms required for a 2014 income tax return include:
These forms cover most filers' reporting, payment, and deductions processes. If you are a part-year resident or non-resident, you may also need Form 80-205.
The Department of Revenue occasionally releases corrected or updated forms during the filing season. For example, corrections may address errors in the tax tables, revised instructions, or new legislative updates. Using the wrong version can create reporting errors, leading to delays in refunds or notices requesting corrections.
The most reliable way to access updated forms is through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website. Taxpayers should avoid third-party websites unless they are reputable tax software providers. This ensures your return is complete, correct, and accepted without unnecessary review.
Completing a Mississippi income tax return requires attention to detail, but breaking the process into steps makes it manageable. While each filer’s situation is unique, the basic framework applies to all taxpayers.
Start by collecting all documents that verify your income and deductions:
Organizing all tax information prevents mistakes and ensures you can claim the maximum refund or credit.
Mississippi allows several filing status options, each with different exemption and deduction amounts:
Choosing the right status is one of the most important steps in the tax filing process because it affects how much income you can exclude and what deductions you may claim.
At the top of Form 80-105, provide identifying details:
Accuracy in this section helps the Department of Revenue match your return to their records, preventing delays in refunds or notices for corrections.
You must report all income earned during the year:
Mississippi generally follows federal rules for adjustments, including deductions for IRA contributions, alimony paid, and military moving expenses. Accurate reporting ensures you meet IRS recommendations for complete and honest income disclosure.
Taxpayers may choose between the standard deduction and itemized deductions. Standard deductions apply based on filing status, while itemizing requires documentation of expenses such as mortgage interest, medical costs, or charitable gifts.
Proper documentation, including receipts, ensures deductions are valid and reviewed without issue.
Apply exemptions and credits:
Credits reduce what you owe and may increase the refund available. Taxpayers should review eligibility requirements carefully before claiming them.
Record all payments, including:
Subtract these payments from your total tax to determine whether you owe money or can claim a refund.
Errors on an income tax return can delay refunds, create extra correspondence, or even result in penalties. Reviewing your return carefully before signing and mailing it is one of the best ways to ensure accuracy.
Each mistake slows down processing. For example, if your account is missing a required schedule, the Department of Revenue may send a notice, which delays your refund and may require you to contact a tax expert for assistance. Incorrect SSNs or missing signatures can even cause a return to be rejected outright, requiring resubmission after the due date.
Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure your return is correct, complete, and processed on time. Taxpayers who carefully review their return or request expert help from a preparer have fewer issues and often receive their refund more quickly.
Mississippi taxpayers have two options when filing a 2014 income tax return: electronic filing or paper filing. Each option has its own process, but both require you to provide accurate tax information, complete the correct forms, and submit the return by the official due date.
Many filers choose electronic filing because it is faster, easier, and reduces the chance of errors. When you e-file:
Approved providers include professional tax preparers, software companies, and the Mississippi Department of Revenue online system. Even if you prepare your taxes, e-file software can help ensure that deductions, credits, and schedules are correctly reported.
Some taxpayers still prefer or are required to submit paper forms. If you have a paper file, it is important to use the correct mailing address:
When mailing your return, include all required attachments, such as your federal tax return, W-2 forms, and any additional schedules. The IRS recommends mailing early and using sufficient postage to avoid delays.
For the 2014 tax year, the deadline for filing was April 15, 2015. Taxpayers who needed more time could request an extension until October 15, 2015. Fiscal year filers had different due dates, based on the end of their accounting year. Even if you requested an extension, any payment owed still had to be made by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Meeting these deadlines ensures your return is processed on time and reduces the risk of added costs. Filing late can create unnecessary financial pressure and may prevent you from claiming your maximum refund.
Not every taxpayer will receive a refund. If you owe money, Mississippi provides several payment methods to make the process as straightforward as possible. Choosing the best method depends on your financial institution, whether you want to pay online, and how you prefer to manage your account.
The Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) is the Department of Revenue’s secure online payment portal. Through TAP, you can:
Online payments are generally the fastest and most reliable way to ensure your taxes are paid on time.
You may pay with a check or money order if you prefer not to use online services. These should be made payable to the Department of Revenue and submitted with Form 80-106, the payment voucher. Always include your Social Security number on the check or money order, and mail it to the address listed on the voucher. The Department of Revenue does not accept cash through the mail.
If you cannot pay your full balance by the due date, you may request an installment agreement using Form 71-661. This allows you to spread payments over several months. While interest and penalties continue to accrue, an installment plan can help prevent more serious collection actions.
Taxpayers who choose this option should remain current with all future filing obligations. The agreement may be canceled if payments are missed or new taxes go unpaid. For many filers, requesting a plan provides the financial flexibility to stay compliant.
Once your return is filed, you may want to know when your refund will arrive or confirm whether your payment has been credited. Mississippi provides both online and phone systems to help taxpayers track their returns.
The Department of Revenue’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the easiest way to check the status of a refund. To use it, you will need:
This tool is available 24 hours a day and provides the most current information about your refund’s status.
Taxpayers can also use the automated phone system by calling (601) 923-7801. The system requires the same information as the online tool and is available 24 hours a day. This option is especially useful if you do not have internet access.
Processing times depend on how you filed:
If you have not received your refund after the standard waiting period, you may need to contact the Department of Revenue for further assistance. Remember that refunds under one dollar are not issued.
Tracking your return allows you to confirm that your information was received and processed correctly. It also gives you peace of mind, whether waiting for money to be deposited into your bank account or checking that a payment has been applied to your balance.
Before signing and submitting your 2014 Mississippi tax return, it is important to review every part of your filing carefully. Many taxpayers overlook small details that lead to processing delays, rejected returns, or notices requesting corrections. This checklist can help ensure your return is accurate, complete, and ready for review by the Department of Revenue.
Completing this checklist helps taxpayers avoid common errors and ensures the return will be processed promptly. Taking the time to carefully prepare and review your return also increases your chances of receiving the maximum refund and minimizes the risk of penalties or additional correspondence.
The due date for filing a 2014 Mississippi tax return was April 15, 2015. Taxpayers could request an extension until October 15, but any income tax owed still had to be paid by the April deadline. The IRS recommends filing early to avoid mistakes and delays. Meeting the filing date helps taxpayers claim a refund faster and reduces penalties if they owe money.
Yes, Mississippi requires taxpayers to attach a complete copy of their federal tax return when submitting their state forms. This allows the Department of Revenue to review income, wages, and deductions accurately. Attaching the federal return helps ensure the information you report is correct and error-free. Omitting it can delay your refund or cause additional requests for tax information.
Your filing status determines the exemptions, deductions, and credits you can claim. Options include single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of family, or qualifying widow. Taxpayers should review their income and household situation to determine the correct choice. Using tax software or seeking expert help from a tax preparer can simplify the process and ensure your return is complete and accurate.
If you owe income tax, you can pay through the Taxpayer Access Point online system, by check, or by order of money to your financial institution. Taxpayers may also request an installment plan if they cannot pay the full balance by the due date. Ensuring your payment is made on time helps avoid penalties and interest. Always include Form 80-106 when mailing a payment.
Taxpayers should gather all receipts, reporting forms, and tax information to claim the maximum refund before filing. Carefully review deductions, credits, and exemptions you are eligible for, and make sure your income tax return is complete and correct. Filing electronically with approved software can reduce errors and speed direct deposit into your bank account. Tax experts also provide guidance to help ensure filers prepare accurately.
Yes, you can still file a 2014 income tax return, but refunds are only available if the request is submitted within three years of the original due date. If several years have passed, you may still need to file an income report or resolve balances owed. The IRS recommends contacting the Department of Revenue or a tax preparer for expert help in completing past-due returns.
Mistakes include using the wrong filing status, forgetting to sign and date the return, leaving schedules incomplete, or failing to attach a federal tax return. Taxpayers may also enter incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit refunds. These errors slow the process and may lead to penalties. Reviewing the return carefully or seeking guidance from a tax preparer helps ensure everything is correct and issue-free.