ST. PAUL, Minn.
- With income tax season recently opening, the Minnesota Department of
Revenue announced the opening of more than 220 sites offering free tax
assistance for those filing income tax and property tax refund returns.
Most sites are open now through April 17.
The
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide programs are
two free tax preparation options where volunteers help taxpayers prepare
their federal and state income and property tax returns.
All
volunteers from both programs are certified by the Internal Revenue
Service to prepare basic tax returns in communities throughout
Minnesota.
In general, you can get help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if any of the following are true:
- 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 $54,000
The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all taxpayers, particularly those who are age 50 or older. AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income restrictions.
"These
free tax preparations sites are available across the state and feature
hundreds of certified volunteers who offer their time to ensure
taxpayers are able to file accurately and on time,” said Revenue
Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “We encourage qualifying taxpayers to take
advantage of these sites before the April 17 tax filing deadline.”
You can search for a site near you
on the department’s website using an advanced search feature and an
interactive map. The feature has search options by zip code or county,
as well as sites with interpreters and volunteers certified to complete
military returns. The interactive map has search options by city, county, or zip code.
Be sure to print off the list of items to bring with you when visiting a site.
You can also call 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989 (toll-free) to search for a site by phone.
