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Indiana Legislature weighs expansion of school vouchers amid program success
Following overwhelming success of the current program, a new proposed bill in the Indiana Legislature is aimed at opening eligibility for state education vouchers to more students from middle-income families, raising family income eligibility. Nearly 40,000 low and middle-income students were able to attend schools which more directly met their needs in the 2019-20 academic year due to the existing school voucher program, and that number could essentially double next year when the program expansion is passed into law.
Indiana state tax filing season opens up on February 12th
The Indiana Department of Revenue will start accepting filings for the 2021 individual income tax season on February 12, 2021, in concert with the Internal Revenue Service. Individuals have until April 15, 2021, to file both their state and federal income tax returns and pay any taxes owed. Before submitting a return, ensure all information is accurate and complete. Below is a quick checklist to help customers avoid common filing mistakes that cause delays in processing time.
- First, check to ensure the return submitted is correct and current or a DOR certified online vendor is used. Most tax forms change every year as a result of legislation or policy updates, therefore, using outdated forms or non-certified software will delay return processing.
- Second, check to ensure everything within the return is complete and a signature is included where required.
- Next, provide all necessary documentation with the return. Do not staple or paperclip any documentation or checks to the return if sending in a paper copy.
- Finish by sending in all materials to the right location—Indiana state returns go to DOR and federal returns to the IRS.
- The filing is now complete. Remember, there is no need to send in a paper copy of an electronic filing (and vice versa).
File electronically for free with INfreefile. More than two million Hoosiers may qualify to file both their federal and state taxes online for free from trusted vendors with the Indiana free file program (INfreefile). A list of DOR-certified vendors and qualifications can be found at freefile.dor.in.gov. INfreefile customers typically receive their refund in less than two weeks if filing electronically and opting for direct deposit.
Understand how extensions work. Customers have until April 15 to file their 2020 tax return and pay 2020 taxes due. However, customers can file an extension directly with DOR or with the IRS. If the IRS extension is granted, the Indiana extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline to October 15, 2021, and the Indiana filing deadline to November 15, 2021.
It is important to note the extension only shifts the filing deadline and not the payment deadline. Ninety percent of the taxes owed are still required to be paid by April 15, 2021, to avoid penalties and interest. Customers are encouraged to contact DOR directly by visiting dor.in.gov to find information quickly.
Indiana Women’s Basketball rebounds from deficit to defeat MSU
Indiana University Women claimed program victory number 8 00 this weekend, as the Lady Hoosiers come back to beat Michigan State 79-67. Down by 8 at halftime, IU regrouped and corrected their struggles with turnovers and driving the offense into the paint. “We got back to playing our game,” said Senior guard Ali Patberg. Patberg cited true teamwork as the reason for the transition in play, as she added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. And while 4 IU starters found double digit point totals on Sunday, it was the second half surge in defense which paved the way to victory.
“Defensively, when we get stops, it drives our confidence,” Patberg stated. Coach Teri Moren was pleased with how the team, “dug their heels into the floor and guarded,” in the second half. Moren was able to make the necessary halftime adjustments but credits her team with the effort. “The players have to make the plays, and they were able to execute,” said Moren after the game.
The 16th ranked Hoosier are now 10-4. Next up, Rutgers will travel to Assembly Hall after their program has not seen action since January 3rd due to Covid-19 concerns; tip off 8pm on Thursday, February 4th.