State tax deadline looms large

There's one more tax deadline to meet if you're a Louisiana resident: May 15. That's the day state income tax returns are due.

With less than two weeks to get the job done, there are several things to consider, starting with whether to file your income tax return electronically. For several years, the state Department of Revenue has encouraged taxpayers to use this method as an easy way to file returns. Last year, 1.12 million taxpayers did so, and as of April 28, 1.13 million people had used the department's electronic filing system.

There's no fee for the service. You can file electronically at fileonline.revenue.louisiana.gov.

Department of Revenue officials say taxpayers who file electronically often have more accurate returns and get their refunds faster. Still, tax refunds can get hung up for any number of reasons. The revenue department offered some pointers to avoid the problems it sees most often, regardless of what method you use to file.

-- Check that all the information you submit is accurate, including Social Security numbers and tax computations, and that you used the correct tax table.

-- Sign the return -- both spouses if applicable -- and paper clip all the W-2 forms and other schedules to together. Don't staple the papers together because they will be fed through high speed scanners at the department headquarters office.

-- Once you complete your return, include the remittance coupon if you owe additional tax to be sure you get that payment credited. Please note that the revenue department uses different mailing labels if you are due a refund than if you owe the state money.

-- If your name or address changed during the year, update your personal information and mark the box on the front of the tax form indicating there's a change so the revenue department can update your records....