How to File Your Wisconsin Tax Return for 2022: Step-by-Step Guide for Individuals and Small Businesses

Filing your Wisconsin tax return for the 2022 tax year is an important step for individuals and small businesses to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties. The process ensures you report your income, claim any deductions or credits you qualify for, and determine whether you owe additional taxes or are entitled to a refund. This guide uses official Wisconsin Department of Revenue information to help you confidently complete your return.

The Wisconsin income tax system requires most residents and some nonresidents to file based on specific income thresholds. Understanding which forms to use, how to pay tax if you owe, and how to claim credits like the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, or dependent care credit can significantly affect the amount of money you ultimately pay or receive. Even small details, such as reporting income from an employer accurately or following the right schedules, can affect your filing outcome.

Whether you are filing for the first time or have been submitting returns for years, having a clear, step-by-step process can save time and reduce stress. In the sections, you’ll learn what documents to gather, how to complete each form, payment options through a financial institution or online, and tips to track your refund. The goal is to simplify the filing process to meet deadlines, avoid notices, and keep your tax records organized for future years.

Overview of Wisconsin State Income Tax for 2022

Wisconsin’s income tax system applies to most residents and some nonresidents who meet certain income thresholds. The requirement to file a Wisconsin tax return depends on your filing status and age at the end of the tax year. These thresholds determine whether you must file and help you understand if you qualify for any deductions, credits, or exemptions.

Who Needs to File

You must file a return if your gross income meets or exceeds the threshold for your filing status and age. The most common filing statuses include:

Single under 65 – You must file if your gross income is at least $12,490.
Single 65 or older – You must file if your gross income is at least $12,740.
Married filing jointly, both under 65 – You must file if your combined gross income is at least $23,220.
Married filing jointly, one spouse 65 or older – You must file if your combined gross income is at least $23,470.
Married filing jointly, 65 or older – You must file if your combined gross income is at least $23,720.
Married filing separately, under 65 – You must file if your gross income is at least $11,070.
Married filing separately, 65 or older – You must file if your gross income is at least $11,320.
Head of household under 65 – You must file if your gross income is at least $15,930.
Head of household 65 or older – You must file if your gross income is at least $16,180.

These thresholds apply whether your income comes from an employer, self-employment, or other sources such as interest or dividends.

Key Deadlines

The regular filing deadline for the 2022 tax year was April 18, 2023.
If you requested an extension, the deadline to file was October 16, 2023.
Any taxes owed must have been paid by April 18, 2023, to avoid penalties and interest.

Major Changes from 2021

Several changes went into effect for the 2022 tax year that could affect your return:

The state added another credit for child and dependent care for taxpayers who claimed the federal version.
Changes made by the federal government raised the educator expense deduction to $300.
Contributions to a Wisconsin college savings plan went up to $3,560 per beneficiary, or $1,780 if the couple filed separately.
The amount taken off for tuition and fees went up to $6,976 per student, and the income phase-out range was changed.
Form 1 now starts with federal adjusted gross income. This may change how some credits and deductions are used.

If you understand these rules and changes, you can fill out your Wisconsin tax return correctly and on time, ensuring you pay the right amount or get the refund you're owed.

Required Forms and Documents

Filing your Wisconsin tax return begins with gathering the correct forms and supporting documentation. These materials ensure that you can accurately report your income, claim deductions and credits, and determine whether you owe tax or are due a refund for the tax year.

Main Forms

Full-year Wisconsin residents use Form 1 to report their income, claim deductions and credits, and calculate their Wisconsin income tax.
Part-year residents and nonresidents who made money in Wisconsin during the tax year use Form 1NPR.
To claim the homestead credit, which helps qualifying homeowners and renters, you must fill out Schedule H or Schedule H-EZ.
If you are a qualified Wisconsin farmland owner and want to claim the farmland preservation credit, you must fill out Schedule FC or Schedule FC-A.
Schedule SB lists things that can be taken off of your income in Wisconsin, like college savings contributions or tuition costs.
Schedule CR is used to summarize and claim different Wisconsin tax credits.

Document Checklist

Get all of your employer's Forms W-2, which show how much money you made and how much tax was deducted from your pay.
Include any Forms 1099 that show you got interest, dividends, retirement money, or money from your own business.
Get a full copy of your federal tax return ready, as Wisconsin uses federal adjusted gross income in many calculations.
Keep receipts or statements for expenses that can be deducted or credited, like the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, or the dependent care credit.
Ensure you have records of any tax payments you made directly to a bank or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue during the year.
Get Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents you want to claim on your tax return.

Before you start, make sure you have these forms and records. They will help you complete your return correctly and speed up the processing of your refund.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Filing Your Wisconsin Tax Return

Following a clear sequence can help you file your return correctly, avoid notices, and receive any refund you are entitled to.

Step 1 – Gather All Required Information

Start by collecting all income documents, deduction receipts, and identification details. These items will prevent interruptions and ensure your return is complete.

Step 2 – Complete Your Federal Return First

Wisconsin tax calculations often begin with your federal adjusted gross income. Completing your federal return first ensures that the figures you transfer to your Wisconsin forms are accurate.

Step 3 – Fill Out Wisconsin Form 1 or Form 1NPR

Enter your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number.
Choose your filing status to match your federal return, as this affects your standard deduction and tax calculation.
Report all taxable income, such as wages, self-employment, and investment earnings.
Add any Wisconsin-specific income that is not taxed federally but is taxable in Wisconsin.
Subtract any Wisconsin exemptions, such as certain retirement income or tuition deductions, that are taxable at the federal level but not in Wisconsin.
Calculate your Wisconsin adjusted gross income and choose either the standard or itemized deductions.
Determine your taxable income, apply eligible credits such as the earned income tax credit or dependent care credit, and figure the amount of tax you owe.
Complete and attach any schedules required for your deductions or credits.

Step 4 – Review for Common Mistakes

Check that you have signed and dated your return before submitting it.
Verify that you have used whole dollars and rounded amounts correctly.
Confirm that you have attached all necessary schedules and forms.
Review your withholding amounts to ensure they match your employer’s records.

Filing Methods for Your Wisconsin Tax Return

You can submit your Wisconsin tax return electronically or by mailing a paper form. Your chosen method can affect how quickly you receive your refund and how easily you can track your return.

Electronic Filing (E-filing)

WisTax is a free e-filing service offered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue that allows all eligible taxpayers to file online at no cost.
My Tax Account is available to certain taxpayers with straightforward returns and offers online filing and account management.
Commercial tax software allows you to file federal and state returns simultaneously, often with built-in error checks.

E-filing is generally the fastest and most accurate method, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and allowing you to receive your refund more quickly.

Paper Filing

Use black ink and print in clear, capital letters to process the return without delays.
Avoid stapling your forms or adding unnecessary markings, such as dollar signs.
Round all amounts to the nearest whole dollar, following the instructions for your form.
Mail your return to the address listed in the instructions, which varies depending on whether you owe tax, expect a refund, or are claiming a specific credit.

Choosing the filing method that best suits your situation can help streamline the process and ensure your return is processed efficiently.

Paying Your Wisconsin State Taxes

If you owe tax for the 2022 tax year, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue offers several payment methods to make the process secure and convenient. Paying on time helps avoid interest and penalties, which can add unnecessary cost to your tax bill.

Online Payment Options

You can directly debit from your checking or savings account with no additional fee. This option allows you to schedule your payment in advance and avoid mailing a check.
You may pay by credit card through an approved third-party processor. While this method is convenient, it includes a service fee that will be added to your total payment.
Apple Pay and PayPal are accepted through the online payment portal, providing flexible digital options for completing your payment.
CheckFreePay is an alternative online method, allowing you to pay through participating locations or online channels.

Paper Payment Options

You can pay by check or money order payable to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. To ensure proper credit to your account, include your Social Security number and the tax year on the payment.
If you are filing a paper return, you may attach your check or money order to the front of Form 1 with a paper clip.

Payment Deadlines and Interest

Payments are due by April 18, 2023, even if you filed for an extension.
Interest accrues at a rate of 1.5% per month on unpaid taxes, so paying promptly helps you save money and avoid additional notices from the Department.

Tracking Your Refund or Balance Due

Once you file your Wisconsin tax return, you can track your refund status or check the amount you still owe. Using official Wisconsin Department of Revenue tools ensures your information is secure and up-to-date.

Refund Tracking Tools

The Where’s My Refund tool on the department’s website allows you to check your refund status by entering your Social Security number and the amount of your expected refund.
If you prefer to check by phone, call 1-866-WIS-RFND (1-866-947-7363) to receive automated refund information.
My Tax Account allows registered users to track refunds, view account balances, make payments, and access tax records securely online.

Processing Times

Most e-filed returns are processed within three weeks, allowing you to receive your refund faster than paper filing.
Depending on the volume of returns received, paper returns may take eight to twelve weeks or longer to process
If you filed electronically and selected direct deposit, you will receive your refund more quickly than if you received a paper check.

Final Filing Checklist

Reviewing your Wisconsin tax return before submitting it can help prevent delays and ensure it is processed correctly. Use the following checklist to make sure you have completed all necessary steps.

Verify that every section of your return is complete and that all calculations are correct.
Ensure your federal return is complete before filing your Wisconsin return so the information matches accurately.
Attach all required W-2 and 1099 forms to your return to document income and withholding amounts.
Include any necessary schedules, such as those for credits or deductions you are claiming.
Select and confirm your payment method if you owe tax online or by mail.
Use the correct mailing address for your filing type if you send your return by paper.
Make and store copies of your return and all supporting documents for at least four years.
If you cannot submit your return by the deadline, file an extension to avoid penalties for late filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I missed the deadline to file my Wisconsin tax return for the 2022 tax year?

If you missed the filing deadline for your Wisconsin tax return, you should file as soon as possible to reduce penalties and interest on any taxes you owe. If you cannot pay the full amount immediately, filing starts promptly. It allows you to arrange payment through a financial institution or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If you are due a refund, you can still claim it by filing late.

Can I pay tax online when I file my Wisconsin return?

When you file your Wisconsin tax return, you can pay tax online through the Department of Revenue’s secure payment portal. Payment options include direct debit from a financial institution, credit card, Apple Pay, and PayPal. Online payments are processed quickly, helping you avoid a notice for unpaid taxes. Always confirm your payment has been completed and store your records for future years.

What credits can I claim to lower my Wisconsin income tax?

Wisconsin offers several credits that can reduce your income tax, including the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependent care credit. To qualify, you must meet income and filing requirements and complete the correct schedules with your return. Claiming eligible credits can reduce the dollars you owe or increase the refund you receive. Review current tax tips from the Department of Revenue to learn about available credits.

How can I track my refund after filing my Wisconsin tax return?

You can track your refund by using the Where’s My Refund tool on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website or by calling their automated phone system. To check your status, you will need your Social Security number and your expected refund amount. E-filed returns are processed faster than paper returns, and direct deposit allows you to receive your money sooner. Always store the refund confirmation for your records.

What deductions are commonly missed when completing a Wisconsin tax return?

Some individuals miss deductions such as contributions to a Wisconsin college savings plan, tuition expenses, and certain retirement plan contributions. These deductions can reduce your income tax liability and help you keep more money. You must complete the appropriate schedules and attach them to your form to claim them. Reviewing your income sources and eligible deductions ensures you are entitled to all available tax benefits.

How do I request an extension to file my Wisconsin tax return?

Wisconsin accepts a federal extension to file, so you do not need to submit a separate state extension form. Simply attach a copy of your federal extension when completing your Wisconsin return. An extension gives you more time to file, but any tax owed must be paid by the original deadline to avoid interest and penalties. This step ensures you meet filing requirements without unnecessary costs.