Highlighting Saint Paul

Free Tax Preparation in Minnesota from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Posted on 01/21/23

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income. 
 
More than 36,000 volunteers provide taxpayers in nearly 5,000 communities with free tax preparation and filing services. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Options for support include:

    • IN-PERSON: Tax preparation is completed by a Tax-Aide volunteer on-site in one visit.
    • ONE VISIT SCAN (Internet Access Required): You visit a Tax-Aide site, where a digital copy of your tax documents is created and stored in the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers then prepare the return remotely. You work with a volunteer online to conveniently finalize the return, file it and have the return sent to you using a secure transmission.
    • TWO VISIT SCAN: You visit a Tax-Aide site, where a digital copy of your tax documents is created and stored in the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers then prepare the return remotely. During a second visit, you work with a volunteer to finalize your return and obtain a printed copy.
    • DROP-OFF: You visit a Tax-Aide site and leave your tax documents with an IRS-certified volunteer. Your return is prepared by Tax-Aide volunteers working remotely. During a second visit, you work with a volunteer to finalize your return and file it. You leave with a printed copy of the return and your original documents.
    • NO SITE VISIT (Internet Access Required): You create digital copies of your tax documents and upload them to the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare your return remotely. You work with a volunteer online to finalize the return, file it, and have the return sent to you using a secure transmission.
    • COACHING MODEL:This is our Alternative Tax Preparation model where the taxpayer prepares their own return and can leverage support from an IRS-certified volunteer to help them along the way no matter where they are in the process.
    • SELF PREPARATION: The taxpayer fully prepares their own return using a software product that has been made available through our website.

    To help taxpayers make the most of the money Tax-Aide helps them keep, AARP Foundation sponsors SaveYourRefund, a program that offers incentives to encourage taxpayers to save at least part of their refund in a savings account. 

    Learn more at aarp.org/taxaide or by calling 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277). 

    About AARP Foundation AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope. To learn more about AARP Foundation visit aarpfoundation.org

    This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the AARP Minnesota page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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