50+ YEARS OF (TAX) FUN.
Services at Prepare + Prosper are provided by a team of 300+ IRS-certified volunteers who are passionate about taxes and finances. All tax returns are double-checked for accuracy to make sure we’re getting you the maximum refund. We can do Federal and Minnesota returns, including property tax refunds for renters and homeowners.
How does it work?
Prepare + Prosper offers free tax preparation to families and individuals who meet our income requirements. Our services are by appointment. You can schedule your appointment online or by calling us directly. Please keep in mind that since our services are provided by volunteers, we do have a limited capacity.
Free Tax Prep
Do You Qualify?
Individuals
If you’re filing as a single and make $40,000 or less per year—you’re in luck! Grab your documents and find a free tax clinic.
Families
We can help families whose household income is $60,000 or less per year. Make sure to bring your documents and find a free tax clinic!
Self-Employed
If you’re self-employed (with no employees) and make more than $10,000 but below the thresholds above for individuals and families, we can help with your taxes. You will need to schedule an appointment with our self-employment program. See the Self-Employment page to learn more.
Do-It-Yourself
Take charge of your taxes and try using our DIY Program. If you made less than $79,000 you can qualify to use our completely free tax software with support from our volunteers. Request our DIY resources here.
We Can’t Help You If…
We are not able to do your taxes if you have rental income, any tax filing requirements involving cryptocurrency, or filed bankruptcy in the tax year you wish to file. There are also other, less common situations that are out of our scope. If you are unsure whether we can do your taxes, please give us a call at 651-287-0187.
Are You Ready?
Prepare What You Need
Make sure you prepare all of the necessary documents and forms with you so that we can prepare your taxes and get you your maximum refund.
For in-person tax prep, please bring all completed materials to your appointment.
There’s a separate list for those who are self-employed.
If you don’t have a Social Security number, you will need an ITIN—an Individual Tax Identification Number—to complete your tax return(s). We can help you get one for free!
Skip the phone call. Check out our Q&A for answers to common questions.
- Set up an appointment by phone or on our website to schedule a time to bring your documents to your scheduled appointment.
Appointments last approximately 2-3 hours. - Complete intake paperwork before appointments. This will shorten the in-person time needed and increase the safety of everyone involved.
- Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
If you are using public transportation or Metro Mobility please let us know when making your appointment. - At the end of your appointment, we will go over final results of the tax return, verify information, have you sign and take home a copy of your taxes. Your return will be filed after we collect your signature.
While You Wait For Your Refund…
- Go to these links (IRS or MN State Revenue) or call IRS 1-800-829-1954 or MN #651-296-4444 at least 3 days after your tax appointment to check that your return was successfully e-filed. The message should say “Received & in Process”
- Check back periodically to follow the progress and to see when your refund will be sent
- The IRS time for processing is 3 weeks if e-filed and longer if filed by paper.
Do-It-Yourself Tax Prep
If appointments are full, or you are over income, please consider our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tax Prep service, available to those who make $79,000 or less!
DIY Tax Prep combines access to free filing software with support in the form of a DIY Tax Prep Guide, free live weekly trainings (recorded trainings available as well), and support on the back end in the form of a dedicated email/phone line, all to get you over the finish line to successfully file! Learn more about DIY Tax Prep, including who’s a good fit for the service here.
- We are following the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for protecting you and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- When visiting one of our sites, physical distancing and mask wearing are encouraged but not mandatory; we will have masks available if you do not have one.
Printable PDF Brochures
Tax returns are nice, but it matters what you do with it, too! Whether you’re going to use your refund to pay the bills or pay off debt, begin to save for a home or college, or invest for retirement – we have the tools to start you on the path toward financial security.