Tax Help

There are many options to file your taxes online. You're encouraged to research which filing software is right for you. 

MyFreeTaxes by United Way 

MyFreeTaxes is a free or low-cost option you can use to prepare and file your taxes online while getting the assistance you need. 

Visit MyFreeTaxes.com (in Spanish/Español MyFreeTaxes) 

MyFreeTaxes Flyer (English)

MyFreeTaxes Flyer (Spanish)

• You can easily file your taxes using MyFreeTaxes.com from your mobile phone, tablet or computer. It's easy to use and will guide you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund.

• Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour and save an average of $200 in fees by using MyFreeTaxes instead of a paid tax preparer.

• Simple tax situations covered for free in MyFreeTaxes include: W-2 income; limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV; student education expenses, credits or student loan interest; unemployment income; claiming the standard deduction; itemized returns, EITC; child tax credits; child and dependent care expenses, non-resident, and amended tax returns.

• Small business owners, home-based childcare businesses, and gig economy entrepreneurs can use these Self-Employed Tax Guides to easily and accurately file taxes for free. *Some self-employed filers may have certain filing fees when using MyFreeTaxes. 

Get the assistance you need: 

The MyFreeTaxes Helpline is staffed by dedicated call specialists who have completed IRS VITA program training and certification. Helpline specialists are available to answer questions about MyFreeTaxes, help you troubleshoot issues you may face while using the tax filing software we connect you to, and answer certain tax questions you have while completing your return through MyFreeTaxes.

The MyFreeTaxes Helpline can be reached at 866-698-9435. It is available 10 am - 8 pm ET daily from February 6 - April 18, and Monday through Friday from 10 am - 6 pm ET from April 21 - October 31.

MyFreeTaxes.com Now Includes Additional Financial Resources:
The new Tax Time Financial Checklist connects you to important financial products and services, including accessible and affordable bank accounts, and a free student debt platform that can help you resolve student debt challenges and adjust your payment plans to save money.

Click here to visit https://www.myfreetaxes.com/ 

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GetYourRefund:

A free virtual service that helps low-income households receive quality tax services online.

This service will be available beginning January 31, 2026 at 1pm EST.

English: https://www.getyourrefund.org/en

Spanish: https://www.getyourrefund.org/es

Other online options: 

You can also see this IRS video for other filing options.

For federal taxes, please review information here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is brought to you by partnering sponsor 125 Live to provide free tax preparation services for taxpayers in Olmsted and Dodge Counties (participating sites listed below). United Way's 211 is proud to serve as your appointment scheduling hub.

Volunteers who are IRS-certified will be able to assist in preparing your taxes alongside you. This is a free service available to Olmsted and Dodge county residents who meet the eligibility requirements below. You must complete an intake packet before your appointment. Scroll down for Printable Intake Form Packets.

To learn more about this program, read our blog post, VITA 101: Through Dave's Eyes!

Free Options to File your Taxes (English) 

Take Advantage of these MN Tax Credits (English)

Take Advantage of these MN Tax Credits (Spanish/Español)

Take Advantage of these MN Tax Credits (Somali/Afsoomaali) 

Tax preparation appointment scheduling will be available online at semntaxes.org or by calling 2-1-1 beginning January 19, 2026. 

Property Tax Only appointments: To keep all earlier appointments available for income tax filers, we are asking that you please wait until mid-March to schedule as you must have your 'Property Tax Statement Payable' at the time of your appointment. The deadline for filing the MN Property Tax forms is August 15.

Starting with 2024 taxes, Minnesota renters can claim the Renter's Credit as part of their Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return: Click here for more information

We are not able to recommend any other tax preparation services. Thank you for your understanding.

Eligibility Information

This information has been updated for Tax Year 2025. 

You are not eligible for this program if ANY of the following are true:

• Your adjusted gross income is in excess of $85,000
• You own rental property (i.e., you are the landlord)
• You had small business income that has any of the following:
  • employees
  • payments to independent contractors
  • a loss for the year
  • you maintain inventory
  • total expenses over $50,000
  • hobby or "not-for-profit" income
  • business use of home
  • depreciation
• You were not a full year resident of MN for tax purposes
• You have military income (excluding a military pension)
• You had a Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE or qualified plan
• You were a nonresident alien who does not meet the green card or substantial presence test and are not married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• You were a student on an F, J, M, or Q Visa or a teacher or trainee on a J Visa
• You, or your personal representative, is unable to come to the tax site

The above is a list of most common out-of-scope items but is not necessarily exhaustive. If you have an unusual item, please note the item when you schedule your appointment. You can also see this IRS video for other filing options.

Appointment Information

• Appointment scheduling will begin January 19, 2026 for appointments beginning February 2, 2026.
• Interpreters are available; please note any language needs when scheduling your appointment. 
• Please call 2-1-1 or 800-543-7709 to schedule an appointment via phone. 211 is available for appointment scheduling 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year, in 100 different languages.
• Please visit the VITA website semntaxes.org to schedule online.
• No same-day appointments.

Preparing for your appointment...

1. Appointments are 45 minute slots, but your appointment can take up to 3 hours. Please arrive at the appointment site on time and fully prepared. Most taxes will be done on the same day. If not, you will need to make another appointment.
2. Intake forms should be filled out before you come to the appointment, if you have NOT gotten an intake packet, you must arrive at your appointment at least 15 minutes early to fill out all necessary paperwork required to be prepared for your appointment.
   • This information has been updated for Tax Year 2025: 
     • Click Here to Print Intake Form Packet in English for Tax Year 2025
     • Click Here to Print Intake Form Packet in Spanish/Español for Tax Year 2025
     • Click Here to Print Intake Form Packet in Somali/Afsoomaali *for Tax Year 2024; may not be comprehensive list for TY2025
     • Click Here to Print Intake Form Packet in Arabic *for Tax Year 2024; may not be comprehensive list for TY2025
3. Taxpayers can also pick up intake packets at one of the following locations.
   • Salvation Army- 115 1st Ave NE, at the "Red Building" different from the appointment site
   • 125 Live - inside the upper-level front door when the building is open
   • Bethel Lutheran Church - In the main lobby when the building is open
   • Mantorville Senior Citizen Center - there will be a container in front of the building
   • Stewartville Center for Active Adults - inside the north entry door to the Center for Active Adults when the building is open
   • United Way Services Building- 903 W Center Street, Suite 100, M-F 8:30am - 4pm
   • Dodge Center Public Library
   • Mower County Senior Center

What to bring to your appointment:

VITA's list of what to bring to your appointment:

** Important : The IRS will be phasing out paper refund checks. Most tax refunds instead will be
delivered via direct deposit. Please bring banking information as outlined below. **
The following documents are required at the time of your appointment:
● Photo ID for you (and spouse, if applicable)
● W-2s and any information on tips (gratuities) received
● Social Security or ITIN (tax ID #) cards (or photocopies) for all in family (not needed if prior year tax
return was done by one of our tax sites (See below *) AND you bring a copy of the tax return showing all
those ITINs and social security numbers
● Banking information: a voided check or card, bank statement from bank, prepaid debit card (listing
routing number and account number)
● Copy of prior year return (s) - a transcript can be ordered from the IRS at 800-908-9946 or online at
irs.gov
● IRS Intake forms which can be found at each site or downloaded IRS Intake Sheet and MN Intake Form .
● SSA-1099 – has pink box showing total social security amount for the year before the Medicare
subtraction is taken (if lost, call 877-405-3631 to obtain); can also serve as SSN verification
● Letter from MNDOR ( mailed in January 2026 ) summarizing payments received if you opted in for
ADVANCE payments of your TY25 MN Child Tax Credit
● 1099-INT or information from bank if less than $10 – bank statement showing total of interest received
during the year
● 1099-DIV – dividends received during the year
● 1099-R – IRA or pension retirement income for the year
● 1099-G – unemployment compensation received
If filing for MN rent or homestead credit refund, documentation of total of nontaxable income received during
the tax year, such as:
● SSI (Supplemental Security Income); if you don’t have a letter showing total for tax year, go to the Social
Security office (206 Broadway Ave S, Suite 600 in Rochester) or call 877-405-3631 to have a letter
mailed to you
● County cash assistance ; if the letter you received in January showing the total of cash benefits received
during the year is lost, call county case worker for a copy
● Veterans Benefits
● Scholarships – also need this info on a 1098-T if want to apply for education credit
● If a homeowner and want to file for a MN M1PR Homestead Credit Refund , income of other person(s)
living in the home (unless they are a dependent or parent)
Other:
● Any other income of any kind received during the year: election worker, gambling winnings, etc.
● Charitable contributions made during the year for contributions over $500 may qualify for a state
deduction
● If itemizing, real estate (homeowner) taxes paid, medical expenses, health insurance paid, charitable
donations
File: Working Drafts//Required Documents TY25 (Google Doc) 1
● Closing statement if bought or sold a home
● Certificate of rent paid forms received from landlord for current tax year
● Property tax statement for taxes payable in 2026 (if a homeowner)
● Health Insurance information if purchased through MNsure (need Form 1095-A )
● Any Power of Attorney or other document giving authority to file for another
New provisions for tax year 2025 and info needed:
● A portion of qualified tips are not subject to income tax. Tips Info may not be shown on your W2. Bring
details of tips received and if reported on your W2. This may apply to occupations where tips are
customarily received such as servers and taxi drivers.
● Overtime may not be subject to income tax. This will not be disclosed on your W2 form so bring support
such as paystubs or an employer statement regarding overtime. Only the “half premium” and overtime
worked in excess of 40 hours a week qualifies.
● New interest expense deduction on loans used to purchase new cars in 2025. Not all vehicles qualify and
you will need to provide the VIN Identification number (often found on your insurance card) and the
amount of the interest paid.

All income and expense information should be for 2025 tax year
and/or prior tax year(s) if you need a return done for prior year(s)

Starting with 2024 taxes, Minnesota renters can claim the Renter's Credit as part of their Minnesota Individual Income Tax Return: Click here for more information

Property Tax Only appointments: To keep all earlier appointments available for income tax filers, we are asking that you please wait until mid-March to schedule as you must have your 'Property Tax Statement Payable' at the time of your appointment. The deadline for filing the MN Property Tax forms is August 15.

Checklists:

This information has been updated for Tax Year 2025.

• What to Bring (English) for Tax Year 2025
• Lista para la preparación de impuestos/What to Bring (Spanish) for Tax Year 2025
• Liiska Diyaarinta Canshuurta/What to Bring (Somali) *may not be comprehensive list for TY2025
• VITA/What to Bring (Arabic) *may not be comprehensive list for TY2025

Please note: In 2025, new developments raised concerns about the safety and privacy of community members applying for or renewing an ITIN. While we cannot provide legal or tax advice, the information below is designed to help you understand your options and decide what feels right for your situation. For those seeking additional information on immigration rights, our 211 website offers a compilation of external resources on knowing your rights and responding to interactions with immigration.

What is an ITIN

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. It is a 9-digit number the IRS issues if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes, but you aren’t eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). For more information about ITIN to prepare for filing your taxes, you can visit the IRS information page.

What an ITIN is used for

An ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes only.

An ITIN doesn't:

• Qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Provide or change immigration status
• Authorize you to work legally in the U.S.
• Serve as identification outside the federal tax system

“Do I need an ITIN or qualify for one?”

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a U.S. taxpayer ID for tax purposes. You typically need one if you:

• Must file a U.S. tax return and don’t have an SSN, or
• Are claimed as a dependent or spouse on someone else’s return and don’t have an SSN.

“Is it safe to file with an ITIN? Should I still file?”

That decision depends on your personal circumstances and comfort level. While we can’t offer legal or tax advice, we can share information to help you think through your options. 

Filing taxes can provide benefits such as claiming tax credits, showing proof of income, or demonstrating tax compliance, which may be helpful for some immigration processes. However, the risks and benefits of filing or applying for an ITIN depend on each individual case.

If you’re unsure what to do next, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before filing or applying for an ITIN. If you want to wait to file, there are steps you can take to try to minimize any impact. 

You can confidentially call 2-1-1 to speak to someone about immigration attorneys near you and find other resources that may be able to help. 211 is available 24/7/365 in over 100 languages. 

“Can I wait to file?”

• If you’re expecting a refund or tax credits, the IRS allows up to three years to claim those funds. In that case, if you wait to file, you won’t face penalties or interest because you don’t owe anything.
• If you think you might owe taxes, it’s important to know that waiting can lead to penalties and interest that increase over time. Some filers may still choose to wait because they’re worried, which is understandable. If that’s your choice, here are some steps to lessen the impact:
  
  • File an extension to give yourself more time to submit your return.
    
    • You can file an extension through MyFreeTaxes and finish filing by October 15, 2025. 
    • You can learn more here about filing an extension here.
  • Make an estimated payment to help reduce potential penalties or interest if you end up owing later.
    
    • Make a Payment 
    • Get Help with Tax Debt 

Whatever you decide, we’re here to support you in any way we can. Most in-person VITA sites can assist with returns from the past three years, while some may be able to go back up to five. For additional resources, tax filing support, or legal assistance- please call 2-1-1 or visit the 211 Website.

Have more questions about your taxes?

• Benefits.gov
• Bridge to Benefits
• EITC Info from IRS
• MN State Tax Info
• List of Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (Nationally)

Click here to view Current Tax Tips from the IRS

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has warned taxpayers of over-the-phone caller ID spoofing scam. Taxpayers should beware of phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the IRS or the department who demand immediate payment of tax debts. In some cases, the scammers use caller ID spoofing where the phone numbers they call from are made to look like they are coming from the IRS or the department.

According to the FCC, caller ID "spoofing" occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used for illegal activity, such as filing for a fraudulent tax refund.

When contacting you the department will not:

• Demand immediate payment without first mailing a letter.
• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.
• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.
• Threaten to call the police or other law enforcement agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Use caution and NEVER provide personal information unless you are absolutely sure the situation is legitimate.

More information about these types of scams can be found on the IRS website.