MINNESOTA, USA — Your deadline to file state and federal taxes is approaching on April 15... so we talked to an expert for tips to make things a little easier this year.
Filing taxes can be stressful and sometimes expensive. Thankfully, the state has resources that can help you get your taxes filed for free.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue's website offers several free online filing resources for people based on their income levels. Click here to check if you qualify.
For older adults, there is an interactive map with free preparation sites near you. These sites are provided by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or AARP.
Paul Marquart, Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Revenue, said to qualify for VITA, you need to be 60 years old or older, have a disability, have limited or no English speaking abilities and have an income level of under $64,000 a year.
AARP tax preparation sites are more lenient are there are no income restrictions. Sites are typically for people ages 50 and older.
Marquart also advised to keep potential tax credits in mind as you file this year. For parents, the biggest one to look out for is the child tax credit.
"[It's] a tax credit up to $1,750 per child, 17 or under, no limit on the number of children. And we folks have looked at this and said that this child tax credit could cut child poverty by 33%," Marquart said.
State leaders say this tax credit program is the first of its kind in the nation and could benefit about 300,000 families.
"It can be transformational if they get this credit, but they've got to file to do that," Marquart said.
Marquart said the best way to file is electronically. He says about 92% of tax returns are done electronically now, and about 75% of refunds go out by direct deposit.
Additionally for parents, there is an expanded K-12 education tax credit this year.
"It's expanded as far as income, expanded as far as the credit. And the key there is just keep track of receipts for education," Marquart said.
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