North Carolina State Tax Return Information
Most residents of North Carolina, along with people who have earned income in North Carolina during the year, must file a North Carolina state tax return for each year. These tax returns are due on April 15, include much of the same information as the federal tax return and offer tax credits similar to the federal government.
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Filing Requirements
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Generally, North Carolina full-year and part-year residents must file a North Carolina state tax return if their income was at least $5,500 for the previous year or $11,000 if married filing jointly. The filing requirement threshold is slightly higher for people over 65, widows and those filing as head of household. Dependents have lower filing requirement thresholds that vary based on the individual's age and whether they had any unearned income. People who do not meet the filing requirements but had state income tax withheld from paychecks must file a state tax return to receive refunds.
Time Frame
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Just like federal tax returns, the North Carolina state tax return is due on April 15 of each year. People who file for an extension and receive one from the North Carolina Department of Revenue have an extended deadline of Oct. 15. Tax refund checks are written weekly and are typically issued within 45 days of April 15 or the date the tax return was received, if it is later.
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Forms
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The main tax return form for North Carolina is form D-400. As of 2010, form D-400 is four pages long and is available to print from the North Carolina Department of Revenue website. Individuals who are claiming tax credits also need to fill out and include form D-400TC. Tax credits include an earned income tax credit similar to that offered by the federal government, along with credits for non-itemized charitable contributions, adoption expenses, child and dependent care and other situations outlined in the form's instructions. Additional tax return forms are required for special financial situations such as partnerships, estates and trusts.
How to File
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North Carolina tax returns can be filed online through a tax service such as TurboTax or by mail. If filing by mail, form D-400 should be in front, followed by D-400TC and then any additional required forms. W-2 forms should be stapled to the bottom of the first page of form D-400 and checks for tax due should not be stapled to anything. Those who are due a refund should mail the return to NC Department of Revenue, P.O. Box R, Raleigh, NC 27634-0001. Those who are not due a refund should mail it to NC Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 25000, Raleigh, NC 27640-0640.
Additional Assistance
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Households with gross income less than $49,000 can receive free tax assistance from the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Households with people aged 60 or older can use the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly service, regardless of income. Call 800-829-1040 to find one of these local IRS tax preparation centers in your area. In addition, the North Carolina Department of Revenue answers anybody's questions over the phone at 877-252-3052.
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References
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: Getting Started With Your State Taxes
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: Individual Income Tax Forms and Instructions
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: Frequently Asked Questions About Refunds
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: FAQ About Your N.C. Individual Income Tax Return
- Photo Credit tax forms image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
