Prepare + Prosper encourages eligible taxpayers to file their taxes for free
During the 2016 tax season, Prepare + Prosper (P+P) is offering free tax preparation and financial services and products to individuals and families at eight locations in Bloomington, Hopkins, Minneapolis, and St. Paul. IRS-certified volunteers work one-on-one with taxpayers to help them file their federal, state, and property tax returns.
“For more than 40 years, P+P has helped individuals and families get their maximum refund that they use to pay for necessities, pay down debt, fix a broken car, and save for the future,” said Tracy Fischman, P+P executive director.
In 2015, 555 volunteers prepared taxes for 13,256 taxpayers who received more than $25 million in refunds. P+P is open year-round and offers audit assistance. Who is eligible for free tax preparation? Individuals with an annual income less than $35,000 and families and self-employed taxpayers with an annual income less than $55,000 in 2015 are eligible to file their taxes for free at P+P. Where are the free tax preparation sites?
Walk-In Only Appointment Only Eastside Financial Center (St. Paul) Prepare + Prosper main office (St. Paul) Hallie Q. Brown Community Center (St. Paul) Minneapolis Urban League (Minneapolis) East Side Neighborhood Services (Minneapolis) Resource West (Hopkins) Hope Community Center (Minneapolis) Creekside Community Center (Bloomington)
When are tax sites open? P+P tax sites are open at varying times until April 18. For a complete list of times and to make appointment, go to www.prepareandprosper.org or call 651-262-2150.
What financial services are offered? Taxpayers can open a savings account, get a savings bond, start a retirement account, pull their credit score, and learn more about P+P’s free financial coaching program at the tax sites. Taxpayers can also apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) at the P+P main office. Spanish, Hmong, and ASL interpreters are also available. About Prepare + Prosper: Prepare + Prosper is a nonprofit focused on financial capability for low-income households.
It provides free tax preparation and access to financial services and products; builds the capacity of other organizations providing these services; and works to advance policies and practices that directly benefit the people it serves. In 2015, 555 volunteers prepared taxes for 13,256 taxpayers who received $25 million in refunds; 1,000 of those taxpayers committed to saving $1.6 million of their refunds.
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.