BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Revenue will begin processing 2013 state individual income tax returns on Jan. 31. On that date, 2013 state income tax forms will become available at www.revenue.louisiana.gov/taxforms.  

Louisiana File Online, the state’s free electronic filing application will begin accepting returns on that date, as well.

The state income tax filing deadline is May 15.

The LDR recommends the following steps to ensure the fastest, most accurate tax return and refund processing:

• File electronically – The expected refund processing time for returns filed electronically is up to 21 days; for paper returns, expect to wait 12 to 16 weeks

• Update your personal information if your name or address has changed during the tax year

• Double-check return information – Ensure that all Social Security numbers and tax computations are correct and that all names and Social Security numbers are in the same order as previous years; math errors and incorrect tax-table information are leading causes of delayed refunds

• Include all supporting information such as W-2s; use paperclips, not staples, if filing a paper return

• Apply for extensions in a timely manner – Extension requests must be filed no later than the May 15 income tax filing deadline

• If additional tax is due, include the remittance coupon to ensure proper payment posting

• Make checks or money orders payable to the Louisiana Department of Revenue; do not send cash

• If filing a paper return, attach the proper label to the envelope.