Free tax service sites open across north central Minnesota

BEMIDJI – More than 250 sites across state, including several in northern Minnesota, are offering taxpayers free assistance with filing income tax and property tax refund returns.

Taxpayers have two options for free tax assistance sites. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are free tax preparation locations where volunteers help taxpayers prepare their federal and state income and property tax returns.

Those eligible for assistance are senior citizens, disabled citizens, those who speak limited English and individuals with an income of $30,000 or less ($50,000 or less for families), according to Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans.

“It is important that every Minnesotan, no matter their age or income level, have access to high-quality tax assistance,” he said in a news release.

The VITA program offers free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals who cannot prepare their own tax returns. The TCE program is sponsored by Tax-Aide and supported by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and offers free tax assistance to the same individuals with special attention to those 60 and older. All volunteers are certified by the IRS and prepare basic tax returns in communities throughout Minnesota.

Sites are generally open now through April 15.

According to the Revenue Department, the following sites in north central Minnesota are available:

Bemidji Senior Center, walk-in only, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Leech Lake Tribal College, walk-in only, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday

Red Lake Housing Authority, walk-in only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Bagley Senior Center, walk-in only, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays

Walker City Fire Hall, walk-in only, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Park Rapids Library, call (218) 252-3505 to make an appointment