Free Tax Help For Seniors And Low-Income Residents In Minnesota

Tax season is officially here again, and if you’re anything like me, it’s one of those things you know you have to do, but you don’t always feel 100% confident doing it alone.

Sure, for some people, filing taxes is quick and easy. But for a lot of us, there are little details, credits, and rules that can easily get missed. And when that happens, that can be bad.

That’s exactly why this free service is such a big deal here in Central Minnesota.

A FREE TAX HELP RESOURCE MANY PEOPLE FORGET ABOUT

Every year, AARP Tax-Aide steps in to help people in our community file their taxes for free. I bet you didn't know it, did you?

Yes… completely free.

This program is designed especially for people age 50 and older and those with low to moderate incomes, BUT!!!! There’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t have to be a senior to use it!

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If your return is fairly simple, there’s a really good chance they can help you.

They won’t do complicated returns like farms or businesses, but outside of that, they assist a wide range of people right here in central Minnesota.

THIS PROGRAM BRINGS MILLIONS BACK TO CENTRAL MINNESOTA

I had the chance to talk with Roger Eriksson, a retired CPA, and Glen Scuteri, a retired IT executive, both of whom volunteer for the program, and the impact they described is incredible.

Last year alone, Tax-Aide helped generate over $2.5 million in refunds locally.

Let that sink in for a second.

That’s money going right back into the pockets of people in our communities. Even more impressive? Local volunteers completed more than 1,300 tax returns, and that number keeps growing every year. In fact, they’re adding even more sites this tax season to keep up with demand.

THEY TAKE ACCURACY SERIOUSLY (AND THAT MATTERS)

One of the biggest worries with doing your taxes is thinking that you might get something wrong and then get in trouble with the federal government or the state.

That’s another area where Tax-Aide really shines.

Every return goes through a multi-step review process. One volunteer prepares your taxes, another reviews everything, and then you go over it before it’s filed. It’s a built-in system designed to catch mistakes and make sure everything is done right.

Laws are constantly changing, and having someone who understands those updates each year, helping you understand what it means for you, can make a big difference.

YOU MIGHT QUALIFY FOR CREDITS YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW ABOUT

This might be one of the biggest reasons to check this out.

Volunteers often help people discover credits they didn’t even realize they qualified for, ike renter’s credits and other deductions. That could be money back in your pocket that you had no idea was coming.

MOST RETURNS ARE DONE IN JUST ONE VISIT

Nobody wants to drag tax season out longer than necessary.

The good news? Most people who use Tax-Aide are able to get everything done in a single appointment. Some situations take a second visit, but many are quick and straightforward.

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

If this sounds like something you could use this year, setting up an appointment is easy.

You can call 320-200-9704 to get started. When you call, a scheduler will get back to you and help set up a time that works.

THEY’RE ALSO LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Now! If you’re someone who enjoys helping others or has a background in finance, Tax-Aide is always looking for volunteers. They provide training for a variety of roles, so you don’t have to be a tax expert to get involved.