Free tax preparation sites will open throughout the state of Minnesota for individuals who are age 60 or older and for lower income clients and individuals who have a disability. These free tax preparation services are trustworthy, professionally competent and confidential. They process the complex, non-conforming MN income tax forms and property tax and rental refunds. Many possible tax credits are available only if taxes are properly filed.

Below are ways to gain answers to your questions and access free tax preparation services.

• To find a site near you on the MN Department of Revenue, press Ctrl key and click on Free tax preparation sites web page.
• File for free yourself using the United Way's MyFreeTaxes services for households earning $66,000 or less.
• Prepare + Prosper offers free tax preparation by appointment.

For additional information on free tax preparation press Ctrl key and click on https://extension.umn.edu/taxes/free-tax-preparation by Rosemary K. Heins, Extension educator emeritus in family resiliency. Reviewed in 2020 by Mary Jo Katras, Extension educator in family resiliency.

The following resource will help you find free tax preparation sites and get guidance on making tax refund decisions, press Ctrl key and click on Taxes | UMN Extension.

The following phone numbers may not connect to a person but will refer you to online services.

Taxpayer Advocate Service, 1-877-777-4778

Taxpayer Assistance Centers, 1-844-545-5640

IRS Toll-free line, 1-800-829-1040

Order IRS Forms and Publications, 1-800-829-3676

Economic Impact Payment questions, 1-800-919-9835.  Learn how to receive your maximum non- taxable payments, but unemployment and added $600 are taxable.

Some of these tax services are limited in the scope of issues they will process. Check to make sure your situation will be processed. Examples of commonly out of scope issues include: Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE and qualified plans; Profit or Loss From Farming; General Business Depreciation and Amortization. (A cash business may be processed); Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, Airplanes; Mortgage Assistance Payments; Extension of Time for Payment of Tax Due to Undue Hardship; and Additional Medicare Tax.

In scope are several offsets to income (called “above the line adjustments”) including, on the federal return, a $300 charitable cash donation offset to income when taking the now higher Standard Deduction. On the MN return only ½ of cash donations in excess of $500 can offset income.

—Andy Whitman, chair, Financial & Legal Issues Group.