RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The state Department of Revenue officially begins processing tax returns Thursday, marking the start of the tax filing season in North Carolina. The Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns last week.

Returns are due Monday, April 18 rather than Friday, April 15. The reason is the federal government will be closed Friday the 15th to commemorate Emancipation Day.

The Revenue department offers an EFile for Free option to taxpayers who earn $55,000 or less. Rules can be found at http://www.dornc.com/downloads/2016_tax_season_opening.pdf