With income tax filing season now open, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that over 200 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing state and federal income tax returns. These sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15.
“Free tax preparation sites are such an integral role of the tax filing system in our state,” said Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “The dedicated volunteers staffing these sites have the knowledge and training to help Minnesotans get their taxes filed in a timely manner and make sure they’re claiming all the credits and subtractions they are qualified to receive.”
About free tax preparation sites
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs are two free tax preparation options where volunteers help Minnesotans prepare their federal and state returns. The Internal Revenue Service certifies volunteers from both programs to prepare basic tax returns in communities across Minnesota.
Last year, the VITA and AARP TCE programs prepared almost 56,000 federal tax returns, more than 56,000 Minnesota income tax returns, and nearly 41,000 property tax refund returns for Minnesota taxpayers. All those returns provided over $113 million in federal, state income, and property tax refunds.
Free tax preparation criteria
You can get help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if any of the following apply:
- You are age 60 or older.
- You are a person with a disability.
- You speak limited or no English.
- Your annual income is less than $67,000.
The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all Minnesotans, particularly those age 50 or older. Unlike VITA sites, AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income restrictions.
Find a site near you and be prepared
You can search for a site near you on the department’s website using their search feature and interactive map. You can search for sites by zip code or county and find sites with interpreters and volunteers certified to file military returns. The interactive map has search options by city, county, or zip code.
You can also search for sites by calling 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989 (toll-free).
The department encourages taxpayers to make appointments soon since space fills up quickly as the tax filing deadline nears.
Taxpayers should bring a picture ID and other personal information along with any records showing income you received, tax-deductible expenses, and property tax or rental payments you made. Visit our website for a list of suggested items to bring to a tax preparation site.
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