Posted: February 7, 2013 -- 9:14 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin Department of Revenue expects 80 percent of state income taxes will be filed electronically this year.

The department expects to handle 3 million returns during this tax season.

Revenue officials are urging taxpayers to file electronically, saying it can shorten the time taxpayers wait for their checks, protect their identities and reduce human error.

Refunds can go directly into taxpayers' bank accounts within days after filing. The filing deadline is April 15.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press