As Tax Filing Season Begins, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Encourage Minnesotans to File for New Child Tax Credit
Minnesotans can now claim tax credit of up to $1,750 per child
ST. PAUL, Minn. - With tax filing season now open, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today visited a site in the Twin Cities metro offering free tax preparation assistance to encourage Minnesotans to file for the new Child Tax Credit. The tax credit of up to $1750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by up to one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households including 513,000 children are estimated to qualify for the credit.
“We set a goal of making Minnesota the best state in the nation to grow up in. Our Child Tax Credit will mean thousands of dollars for families with children to meet their basic needs – whether that’s school supplies, new shoes, or a new water heater,” said Governor Walz. “With dozens of free tax preparation sites available across the state, Minnesotans have the opportunity to make sure they’re getting every possible refund available. That’s money back in the pockets of hard-working Minnesotans.”
“Nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the Child Tax Credit we signed into law last year, and we want to see 100 percent of eligible families benefit from it,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Our tax credit provides economic stability, helping form a foundation of safety and security for families. I’m grateful for the volunteers across the state who are helping Minnesotans file their taxes and claim these benefits.”
Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return in order to claim the credit. Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage.
Over 170 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15. To recognize volunteers for their service to their communities, Governor Walz also proclaimed February as Volunteer Tax Preparer Appreciation Month.
“We want all Minnesota taxpayers to have access to resources that will help them get their returns filed accurately and claim all the tax benefits, including the new Child Tax Credit, they’re entitled to receive,” said Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart. “These free tax preparation sites offer this essential service to taxpayers across the state, and I encourage anyone who is eligible and needs assistance to utilize these sites.”
“Volunteers are essential to Prepare + Prosper’s mission to build financial well-being through free tax prep, financial services, and coaching. P+P is committed to empowering economic opportunities through these services, which couldn’t exist without our dedicated volunteers,” said Suyapa Miranda, executive director of Prepare + Prosper, one of the largest volunteer tax preparation sites in the state. “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for honoring the value that they bring to organizations like P+P.”
About free tax preparation sites
Last year, the VITA and AARP TCE programs prepared almost 49,000 federal tax returns, more than 49,000 Minnesota income tax returns, and nearly 38,000 property tax refund returns for Minnesota taxpayers. All those returns provided over $96 million in federal, state income, and property tax refunds.
Free tax preparation criteria
Minnesotans can get help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if any of the following apply:
You are age 60 or older.
You are a person with a disability.
You speak limited or no English.
Your annual income is less than $64,000.
The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all Minnesotans, particularly those age 50 or older. Unlike VITA sites, AARP Tax-Aide sites do not have income restrictions.
Minnesotans can search for a site on the department’s website using their search feature and interactive map. Visit the Department of Revenue website for a list of suggested items to bring to a tax preparation site, including a photo ID, W-2 information, banking information for direct deposit, and other applicable items.
Free electronic filing is also available for Minnesotans with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less. To see if you are eligible for free electronic filing, see the Electronic Filing Software for Individuals page on the department’s website.