NebFile

Free Internet Filing


The NebFile system allows Nebraska resident taxpayers to file their state income tax return FREE over the Internet. To be eligible to use this filing option, you must have filed a Nebraska return last year. The complete list of eligibility requirements and capabilities is listed below and on the NebFile system help screens. NebFile is not tax preparation software, but it will do simple calculations and table look-ups for you. The NebFile system allows you to file a short form, Form 1040NS, or a long form, 1040N, with some limitations.

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Questions and Answers about NebFile

What is NebFile?

NebFile is a method for you to electronically file your Nebraska Individual Income Tax Return over the Internet, and is FREE to use. It is limited to full-year Nebraska residents and has other eligibility requirements (see the next question).

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Who qualifies to use NebFile?

To qualify for NebFile, you MUST:

Bullet Be a full-year Nebraska resident during ALL of 2007,
Bullet Have filed a 2006 Nebraska Individual Income Tax Return, and
Bullet Have the same filing status (single, married-joint, head of household, or married-separate) for 2007 as you did for the 2006 return you filed

You may NOT use the NebFile system if you:

Bullet Have any income or withholding from another state (including wages, gambling winnings, or interest income),
Bullet Are claiming a refund for a deceased taxpayer who is not your spouse, or
Bullet Are claiming any of the following credits:
  Bullet Community Development Assistance Act Credit, line 22, Form 1040N. This credit is for contributions to approved projects of community betterment organizations recognized by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. To claim this credit, you must use Form CDN and Form 1099NTC.
  Bullet Form 3800N Credit, line 23, Form 1040N. This is the nonrefundable credit for qualified businesses that expand their economic investment or employment base in Nebraska. Form 3800N must be used to claim this credit.
  Bullet Nebraska Charitable Endowment Tax Credit, line 25, Form 1040N. This is the credit for a planned gift to a qualified Nebraska charitable endowment, and you must attach a statement from the qualified endowment.
  Bullet Financial Institution Tax Credit, line 26, Form 1040N. This is the credit available to certain shareholders in banks. The bank should provide you with a Form FTC to claim the credit.
  Bullet Beginning Farmer Credit, line 33, Form 1040N. To claim this credit, you must have a certificate from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
  Bullet Special Capital Gains/Extraordinary Dividends Deduction, line 53, Nebraska Schedule I. This credit is claimed by residents who received capital stock of a qualified corporation because of employment or while employed by the corporation. To claim this credit, you must complete Form 4797N.

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Where do I find my NebFile PIN?

Your PIN was mailed to you, and is either on a postcard or in the tax booklet.

On the Postcard:

Location of PIN on Postcard

In the Booklet (on the sheet with the labels):

Location of PIN in the Booklet

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I lost my postcard or tax booklet. Can I still get a NebFile PIN?

Yes. When you connect to the NebFile system, you will find a link on the Login page where you can look up your PIN. You must have a valid Nebraska driver's license to use this look-up. If you filed a return last year but do not have a Nebraska driver's license, you can call us at 1-800-742-7474 (in Nebraska and Iowa) or 1-402-471-5729, and ask for your PIN.

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I didn't receive a tax booklet or postcard. How do I get a NebFile PIN?

You can only use NebFile if you filed a Nebraska return last year. If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, but didn't receive a booklet or postcard (due to a move or some other reason), you can still get your PIN — see the previous question.

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The NebFile system locked me out. How do I regain access?

If you answer all eligibility questions correctly and the system locks you out, then you are not actually eligible to use NebFile. If you have made a mistake in answering those questions and believe you are eligible to use NebFile, contact the department at 1-800-742-7474 (in Nebraska and Iowa) or 1-402-471-5729, and ask you have your PIN reset.

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What must I do to get ready to use NebFile?

Before using the NebFile system:

Bullet Verify that you are eligible to use NebFile,
Bullet Locate your NebFile PIN on your postcard or in your tax booklet,
Bullet Make sure you have ALL of your Forms W-2 and 1099 showing Nebraska withholding, and
Bullet Have a copy of your completed 2007 federal tax return to look at when entering federal data into NebFile.

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What are the benefits of using NebFile?

The biggest benefit is a faster refund. When your tax return is electronically transmitted, it gets processed almost immediately. This means your refund will be issued faster; and if you use direct deposit, your refund can be automatically credited to your bank account. E-file is also easier and more accurate.  You will be asked a series of questions that you must answer, and the math and tax law work is done by the computer.  After you submit your return, you will receive a confirmation that the return was received. Finally, any e-filed return costs your government less to process, and so is just the right thing to do.

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Does the NebFile system prepare my return for me?

NebFile is not tax preparation software, but it will do simple calculations and table look-ups for you. You will be required to answer some questions, and to enter data from your federal return.

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How does NebFile differ from Federal/State online filing?

Federal/State online filing is when you access commercially written software that is on the software company’s Internet server, and use it to enter your federal and state tax returns.  NebFile is on a state-owned Internet server and uses software produced by the state. There is typically a fee charged for using the Federal/State commercially written software, whereas there is no cost for using NebFile. Commercially written Federal/State e-file software is designed to assist you to prepare your return, and is capable of preparing more complicated returns, including non-resident and partial year resident returns. NebFile is designed to handle basic resident returns, and requires you to have already completed your federal return in a separate process.

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What should I do if I make a mistake when entering my tax information into the NebFile system?

You can navigate backwards and forwards through the return so that you can change information you entered. If you make a  mistake entering information on any page, you can return to that page to make changes. However, if you’ve submitted your return and received a confirmation number, you cannot make further changes. If you need to make a change at this point, you will need to file an amended return. If you need to amend your return, contact our Taxpayer Assistance at 1-800-742-7474 (in Nebraska and Iowa) or 1-402-471-5729 (outside of Nebraska and Iowa).

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Who is responsible if there are errors on the return?

The responsibility for an accurate tax return still rests with the taxpayer. It is your responsibility to enter all information completely and accurately. Before you begin, be sure to have all information you will need to complete your return ready, including your federal return, and all 1099 and W-2 forms that show Nebraska withholding. Always verify all information on your return before submitting it.

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What paperwork do I need to keep if I file using NebFile?

After you submit your return, you will have the opportunity to print a copy of your return, which has your Confirmation Number printed on it. You should retain this for your records, along with your federal return and withholding documentation (Forms W-2 and 1099). If you are unable to print the copy of your form, write down and keep your Confirmation Number.

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Is filing through the Internet secure?

The NebFile system is a product of the State of Nebraska, and is located on a secure Web site.

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Can I get my refund or pay my taxes electronically, too?

If you have a refund, you can have it directly deposited to your chosen financial institution account. If you have a balance due you can make your payment by credit card. These options allow you to make your filing totally paperless. You also have the option to pay your taxes by check or money order. The NebFile system gives you the option of printing a Nebraska Form 1040N-V Payment Voucher that you should attach to your check or money order.

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