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Signs of progress on our journey to normal

Advocacy

Robert Doty, Minnesota Department of Revenue commissioner | June/July 2022 Footnote

Editor's note: Updated May 25, 2022

At times, it’s hard to believe that we’re still thinking about COVID-19, some two and a half years after it first entered the public conversation. Yet, as the pandemic waxes and wanes, there are signs that we’re heading back toward “normal” — whatever form that takes going forward.
 
This year, for the first time since 2019, our state income tax filing season unfolded in the usual way, with no extended deadlines or other special relief. And more jobs are being created — and filled — as our state economy continues to recover after two challenging years.
 
That’s not to say everything is perfect for every Minnesotan and business in our state. When outside events or financial hardship prevent taxpayers from filing or paying what they owe on time, they can request payment agreements, penalty abatements and other relief through our existing processes.

In-person service

In April, the Department of Revenue returned to our regular building hours and in-person services, along with most other state agencies.
 
We offered limited hours and services for much of the last two years, so our customers could handle urgent business, or fill out a request form to get a previously filed return or request other services. Now we’re back to standard hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) and customers can do everything they could before, such as:

  • Pick up tax forms, instructions and other information.
  • Submit tax returns, make payments (and get a receipt) or request a payment agreement.
  • Ask questions about their account, state tax laws or letters we’ve sent them.
  • Meet with agency staff about an audit or other business.
While we serve most customers by phone, email or other noncontact means, our lobby staff at the Stassen Building help around 1,000 people in an average month. This personal touch is an important aspect of our work as a public agency, and we’re happy that we can offer these services in full again.
 
Moving forward, we’ll continue to follow the latest guidance from state health authorities.

Hybrid future

Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen how productive remote work can be if workers have the right technology and tools. Like many organizations, a significant number of our Revenue team members continue to work from home or split their time between home and office.
 
This year, we’re welcoming more of our team back to the office in some form. We’re also planning for a future in which a large part of our workforce will work hybrid schedules.
 
As part of that future, we’re examining ways that we can use what we’ve learned through virtual work to provide more remote service options for our customers. These changes will help the department meet today’s challenges — and then some.

Reaching out

We also look forward to meeting face-to-face again with MNCPA members and other partners at conferences, seminars and other events. These gatherings are important opportunities to learn about your concerns and share law changes or other updates.
 
Meanwhile, if you have questions or need to discuss a specific issue, please let us know!

  • General questions: Use the Contact Us form on our website or refer to the list of customer service contacts at www.revenue.state.mn.us/about-us.
  • Audits: Contact the auditor or their supervisor directly; their information is listed on all audit letters or notices.
  • Law changes: Email us at TaxLawChanges@state.mn.us.
  • Other questions/issues: Email our Tax Professional Outreach Coordinator, Mark Krause, at taxpro.outreach@state.mn.us
Working with the MNCPA and its members — on matters both large and small — is one form of customer service for us, but it’s also much more. These relationships help us meet each other’s needs and are crucial to the Revenue mission: Working together to fund the future for all of Minnesota.
 
Thank you for your partnership.
Robert Doty is commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue.