February 28, 2019

Massachusetts State Tax Tips

Tax season is officially here! The deadline to file your personal income tax is April 17th, 2019. Here’s some information on filing taxes in the state of Massachusetts.

In Massachusetts, you must file personal taxes if you are a full year resident, part-year resident, or a nonresident and have a gross income of more than $8,000.

You are a Full Year Resident if your home is in Massachusetts for the entire year, you maintain a home in Massachusetts, or spend a total of more than 183 days of the tax year in Massachusetts, including days spent partially in Massachusetts.

You are a Part-Year Resident if you either moved into or out of Massachusetts during the tax year and either obtained or ended status as a resident respectfully.

You are a Nonresident if you are neither a full-year nor a part year resident. Nonresidents must file a Massachusetts Tax Return if they have a gross income of more than $8,000 or the prorated personal exemption.

In order to properly file, you must gather all of the required tax records and documents that are relevant to your filing. These include:

  • Copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns
  • Documents showing legal name, birth date, and Social Security number
  • Records of your earnings (W-2 forms)
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Records of interest or dividends from banks
  • Records of tuition payments
  • Records of received Social Security benefits
  • Record of received pension
  • Unemployment compensation statements
  • Total childcare expenses and childcare provider information
  • Bank account and routing numbers (if having refund direct deposited)

For more information on filing personal income tax, please click here. If you have a discrepancy with your taxes and may need legal representation, you can call the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 617-742-0625, connect with an area online 24/7 by clicking “Get Started” here, or by submitting an email request online today.