MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The income tax filing deadline is a week away, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is reminding taxpayers to file their income tax returns by the deadline. Returns must be received or postmarked by midnight on Tuesday, April 17. The deadline is extended this year because April 15 is a Sunday, and Monday, April 16 is Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C.

To date, more than two million income tax returns have been filed, and DOR expects around a million returns will be filed in the remaining days. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Chandler notes, "This year Wisconsin is now below the national average in terms of state and local tax burden. In 2010 we ranked 9^th, and now we're 21^st. That ranking will continue to improve even more when the ongoing effects of our income tax rate cuts show up in updated rankings."

The Department of Revenue is sharing the following tips to make the filing process easier:

• Use self-service options. Use links to locate income tax forms and instructions or find answers to common questions about preparing your tax return, tax credits and much more.
• Pay your taxes online. The department offers easy online payment of your taxes on its website. Watch this short one minute video to find out how to make your payment online.
• File an extension request with the IRS if you won't make the April 17 deadline. You must request an extension from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 17 to avoid late filing penalties. Go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov and search "extension" for more information. Taxpayers who file an extension request with the IRS automatically receive an extension from the state. Keep a copy of the IRS federal extension application (Form 4868) for your records. Please keep in mind that even if you have an extension of time to file your return, you will owe interest on any tax not paid by April 17. You can avoid interest charges during the extension period by paying any estimated amount owed by April 17, using a 2017 Wisconsin Estimated Tax Voucher.
• Call customer service during off-peak hours at 608.266.2772. Our customer service hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• § Customer service is busiest between: 7:45-9:00 and 11:00-1:00
• § The best days to call are Thursday and Friday
• § The best times to call are 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-4:00
• Download the WI Revenue mobile app(available in the Apple and Android app stores) and watch tax assistance videos, check the status of your return or refund, find VITA sites, take action if you received an ID Verification letter, and more.
• Remember DOR will not contact you by telephone or email regarding your income tax return. If the Department needs more information to verify items on your return, it will contact you by letter.