Wisconsin Department of Revenue Encourages Taxpayers to File for Free with WisTax

MADISON, WI – WisTax, Wisconsin’s free and secure electronic income tax filing system, is available for the 2026 filing season. The platform has been updated with expanded functionality to better serve Wisconsin residents filing their 2025 state income tax returns.

DOR remains committed to providing a no-cost, high-quality filing alternative. This year, WisTax offers a streamlined experience with several key enhancements:

• Expanded User Eligibility: WisTax is now open to most Wisconsin taxpayers, as long as they are full-year residents and possess a valid driver’s license or Wisconsin ID.
• Streamlined Filing Experience: For the first time, WisTax provides an easier filing experience for taxpayers claiming the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit.
• Amended Returns & Homestead Credits: Users can now file amended returns and Homestead Credit claims (Schedule H) directly through the portal.

“Despite changes at the federal level, Wisconsin is proud to continue offering a free, easy-to-use platform that keeps taxpayer data secure,” said Secretary of Revenue David Casey. “Our goal is to remove the financial barrier of tax preparation. By expanding WisTax to additional users, we are ensuring more Wisconsinites than ever can keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Taxpayers who have already completed their federal returns can avoid additional charges for state returns by using WisTax. It is mobile-friendly and accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop. The system uses industry-standard encryption to protect personal information and provides immediate confirmation once a return has been successfully submitted, offering users peace of mind.

Supplemental materials, including virtual interviews with Secretary Casey in both video and audio format, are available on DOR’s WisTax Media Downloads page.

First-Time Filers Resources

First-time filers seeking assistance can visit DOR’s new First-Time Filer’s webpage. This resource is designed to take the guesswork out of tax season for students, recent graduates, independent contractors, and new Wisconsin residents. It provides a step-by-step roadmap to help Wisconsin taxpayers understand their obligations and maximize their potential refunds. The page contains informational resources like tax definitions, filing instructions, and videos that address common tax questions.

Where’s My Refund?

DOR’s Where’s My Refund tool is the quickest way to check your refund status, as it gives taxpayers instant access to the same information call center agents provide.

Extended Call Center Hours

To assist taxpayers in the busy weeks leading up to the April 15 filing deadline, DOR will have extended call center hours on select days. Customer service representatives will be available until 5:00 p.m. on April 1–2, April 6–9, and April 13–15.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.