You’re sitting there with a stack of papers, a pen that’s running out of ink, and a nagging feeling that if you drop this in the wrong mailbox, it’ll vanish into a government black hole. Honestly, filing taxes on paper feels a bit like sending a message in a bottle these days. But hey, sometimes the digital route just isn't happening. Maybe your software glitched, or you just prefer the tactile feel of a physical form.
Whatever the reason, if you're looking for where to mail KY state tax return, the answer isn't just one single building in Frankfort. It actually depends entirely on whether you're expecting a check back or writing one out to the state.
The "I'm Getting Money Back" Address
If you’ve done the math and the Commonwealth owes you a refund—or if you’ve somehow hit exactly zero—you’re sending your return to a specific processing center designed for high-volume scanning. Basically, they want to get these through the system as fast as possible so they can stop thinking about your file.
For most residents filing the standard Form 740 or the 740-NP (for nonresidents or part-year folks), and you are not enclosing a payment, use this:
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Kentucky Department of Revenue
Frankfort, KY 40618-0006
Just a heads up: "No payment" also includes returns where you might technically owe a tiny amount but are choosing to pay online later through the EPAY portal. If there's no physical check in that envelope, this is your destination.
The "I Owe the State" Address
Writing a check is never fun. It’s even less fun if that check gets lost because you sent it to the refund department. When you have a balance due and you’re sliding a check or money order into that envelope, the Department of Revenue (DOR) wants it sent to a different ZIP code. This helps them prioritize the money coming in versus the money going out.
If you’re enclosing a payment with your Form 740 or 740-NP, mail it here:
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Kentucky Department of Revenue
Frankfort, KY 40619-0008
Kinda specific, right? The change from "18" to "19" in the ZIP code matters more than you'd think for their internal sorting machines.
What About 740-NPR and Other Oddballs?
If you’re a nonresident who only has Kentucky income from a partnership or S-corporation, you might be using Form 740-NPR. This one has its own little home in the mailroom.
For the 740-NPR, the official address is:
Kentucky Department of Revenue
Frankfort, KY 40620-0012
And if you’re really down to the wire and need to use a private delivery service—think FedEx, UPS, or DHL—you can’t use those PO Box-style ZIP codes. They won't deliver there. You need the physical street address of the building.
Kentucky Department of Revenue
501 High Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Tips for Not Getting Screened
The DOR in Frankfort isn't trying to be difficult, but they deal with millions of pieces of mail. I've talked to folks who worked in tax processing, and they’ve seen it all—staples through barcodes, checks taped to the back of the wrong page, you name it.
First, make your check payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer." Don't write it to "Kentucky Revenue" or "The Tax Man." Use the full name.
Also, write your Social Security Number and "2025 Form 740" (or whatever year you're filing) in the memo line. If the check somehow gets separated from your paperwork, that memo line is the only way they’ll know whose account to credit.
- Don't staple. Use paperclips. The scanners they use hate staples.
- Check your postage. A thick return with multiple schedules might need two stamps.
- Keep a copy. Seriously. Photocopy everything before you seal the envelope.
Why Mailing Might Take Forever
I should probably mention that paper returns are the "slow lane" of the tax world. While an e-filed return might see a refund in a few weeks, paper returns can take 8 to 12 weeks—sometimes longer if it’s peak season in April.
The Kentucky DOR actually maintains a "Where's My Refund?" tool online, but don't expect to see any updates there until they've actually opened your envelope and typed your info into the system. If you mailed it on April 14th, don't bother checking that website until at least June.
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Filing
- Confirm your form type: Ensure you are using the 2025 version of Form 740 or 740-NP.
- Pick the right ZIP: Use 40618-0006 for refunds/no payment, or 40619-0008 if you're sending money.
- Voucher check: If you're paying, include Form 740-V (the payment voucher) to ensure the money hits the right account.
- Certified Mail: If you're nervous, spend the extra few bucks for "Certified Mail with Return Receipt." It’s your only proof that the state actually received your documents if they claim they never arrived.
- Sign the return: You'd be surprised how many people forget to sign the bottom of the second page. If you don't sign it, they'll mail it right back to you, and you'll have to start the whole process over.
Final word of advice: double-check that your W-2s are attached to the front of the return where indicated. Without those, the DOR can't verify your withholding, and your refund will sit in a "pending" pile while they send you a letter asking for proof.