Tax deadlines don't change in state shutdown

Posted at 10:24 AM on July 1, 2011 by Paul Tosto (3 Comments)

Just because we're in a state government shutdown doesn't mean you get a break on filing taxes.

That's the word from the Minnesota Department of Revenue this morning.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue will continue to process tax payments during the state government shutdown. All tax laws and deadlines remain in effect, and taxpayers are reminded of their legal obligation to file returns and pay all taxes when they are due to avoid penalties and interest.

The department's electronic services will be maintained, so taxpayers may continue to pay their taxes and file returns during the shutdown. All payments and returns received by mail will be date-stamped to verify that they were received in a timely manner.

And while the deadlines are fast, don't count on getting any refunds in a timely manner:

In the absence of authorized funding, agency functions not deemed critical by the courts have been suspended. No refunds will be processed or issued at this time, and the department will have no one to assist taxpayers by phone or email until normal operations resume.

The tax department has more detail on its web site.

Oh yeah: "The Department of Revenue sincerely regrets the inconvenience for citizens, taxpayers and customers."

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Comments (3)

To the Minnesota State Legislature: Why is it that people who make over 1 million dollars a year shouldn't have to pay the same percentage of income tax that the rest of us small, insignificant people do? Is it because we are small and insignificant? Yes, I think that is EXACTLY why. You should be ashamed, but then if you had the capacity for shame, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Oh wait, we AREN'T having it.

Posted by Lisa | July 1, 2011 10:36 AM

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State services are shutting down. No refunds will be processed. Why do we still have to continue to pay taxes to a government that fails to provide services to the people? We should all receive a tax deduction for each day the state does not provide services.

Posted by Erik | July 1, 2011 11:14 AM

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I agree with previous comment, we must continue to pay our taxes by law, but the law makers have no obligation to do the job we pay them for and suffer no consequences.

Posted by Julie Elder | July 1, 2011 1:13 PM

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