Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Lakes and Pines Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been providing free tax preparation since 2006. We offer free help to prepare both federal and state tax returns for households with an annual income of $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and people 60 and over regardless of their income.
Lakes and Pines provides free tax preparation to low and moderate income individuals and families through partnership with the MN Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service, and the skills and dedication of IRS-certified volunteers.
We have prepared thousands of returns, totaling more than $15 million in refunds.
Our volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. Every tax return we prepare is processed with Quality Control Assurance. Taxes may be prepared in person or virtually. Preparing your own tax return is an option too by coming to a tax site and using a laptop with the tax software while having a trained tax-preparer available in case you have a question or two.
We can access interpreter services if you need assistance with translating our services into English.
In accordance with federal and state laws, Lakes and Pines CAC is an equal opportunity employer, contractor, volunteer coordinator and provider of services.
Lakes and Pines provides free tax preparation to low and moderate income individuals and families through partnership with the MN Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service, and the skills and dedication of IRS-certified volunteers.
We have prepared thousands of returns, totaling more than $15 million in refunds.
Our volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. Every tax return we prepare is processed with Quality Control Assurance. Taxes may be prepared in person or virtually. Preparing your own tax return is an option too by coming to a tax site and using a laptop with the tax software while having a trained tax-preparer available in case you have a question or two.
We can access interpreter services if you need assistance with translating our services into English.
In accordance with federal and state laws, Lakes and Pines CAC is an equal opportunity employer, contractor, volunteer coordinator and provider of services.
Why use Lakes and Pines Free Tax Services?
Many people are paying high fees for tax preparation services and/or give up much of their refund by participating in Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). When all the costs are added up, taxpayers can be spending more than 10% of their refund just to get the money a few days sooner.
At Lakes and Pines tax sites trained volunteers will prepare your return for free. Returns are reviewed for accuracy and filed electronically after you give your permission. The direct deposit option to receive refunds is encouraged.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT On January 21, 2025 the first weeks of the tax calendar will be opened and we’ll start scheduling appointments at the free tax preparation sites. Tax preparation appointments are dependent on volunteer availability. Appointment schedules will be created as volunteers commit to work at tax sites. To make an appointment call 1-320-679-1800 or 1-800-832-6082 (Press 4 at prompt) Check this page and Lakes and Pines’ Facebook page for tax site calendar updates. The more trained and certified volunteers we have equals more appointments. Contact us if you want to volunteer.
We cannot prepare taxes for the following: daycares, clergy, corporations, LLC, partnerships, rental income, farm or hobby income, international students, businesses with employees, Form 1115 foreign tax, any tax filing requirements for cryptocurrency, businesses with inventory, or self-employment with more than $5000 in expenses.
For multiple year tax preparation - contact tax staff to schedule your appointment.
DIY Option
Take charge of your taxes and try using our DIY Program. If you made less than $84,000 you can qualify to use our completely free tax software with support from our volunteers. If you are comfortable working on a computer you can probably complete your own tax return. Contact us for more information.
New filing method for renters!
Beginning with tax year 2024, renters will no longer file a Renter's Property Tax Refund return (Form M1PR). Instead, the credit will be added to your income tax return. For details, visit Renter's Credit. If you need to file for only your Property Tax or Rent Refund please contact us after March 15 to schedule your appointment. The tax preparation appointments in February and early March are intended for those that need to file income tax returns.
At Lakes and Pines tax sites trained volunteers will prepare your return for free. Returns are reviewed for accuracy and filed electronically after you give your permission. The direct deposit option to receive refunds is encouraged.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT On January 21, 2025 the first weeks of the tax calendar will be opened and we’ll start scheduling appointments at the free tax preparation sites. Tax preparation appointments are dependent on volunteer availability. Appointment schedules will be created as volunteers commit to work at tax sites. To make an appointment call 1-320-679-1800 or 1-800-832-6082 (Press 4 at prompt) Check this page and Lakes and Pines’ Facebook page for tax site calendar updates. The more trained and certified volunteers we have equals more appointments. Contact us if you want to volunteer.
We cannot prepare taxes for the following: daycares, clergy, corporations, LLC, partnerships, rental income, farm or hobby income, international students, businesses with employees, Form 1115 foreign tax, any tax filing requirements for cryptocurrency, businesses with inventory, or self-employment with more than $5000 in expenses.
For multiple year tax preparation - contact tax staff to schedule your appointment.
DIY Option
Take charge of your taxes and try using our DIY Program. If you made less than $84,000 you can qualify to use our completely free tax software with support from our volunteers. If you are comfortable working on a computer you can probably complete your own tax return. Contact us for more information.
New filing method for renters!
Beginning with tax year 2024, renters will no longer file a Renter's Property Tax Refund return (Form M1PR). Instead, the credit will be added to your income tax return. For details, visit Renter's Credit. If you need to file for only your Property Tax or Rent Refund please contact us after March 15 to schedule your appointment. The tax preparation appointments in February and early March are intended for those that need to file income tax returns.
BRING THESE DOCUMENTS TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
We want to do your taxes right and get you the maximum refund. In order to do that, you will need to provide ALL of the necessary documents when you come in for your appointment.If filing as a married couple, both taxpayers need to be present.
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
*Picture ID for all taxpayers on the return
*Birthdate for all persons listed on the tax return
*Social Security card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) card or letter for all persons listed on the tax return
*Routing and account numbers for your savings account, checking account, and/or prepaid card if you want direct deposit
2. YEAR-END INCOME STATEMENTS
*W-2s for each job
*1099 forms for retirement, Social Security, unemployment, interest, dividends, stock sales, and miscellaneous income
*Year-end amounts for MFIP, SSI, MSA, GA, veterans’ benefits, workers’ compensation
3. EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE CREDITS
*Record of educational expenses you paid for your children in grades K-12. You may pick up a save your education expense receipts envelope at any Lakes and Pines office.
*Tuition expenses paid for you or your child to attend a college or university (Form 1098-T)
*Student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E)
*Child care expenses: Provider name, address, tax ID, or Social Security number
4. PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS AND DEDUCTIONS
NOTE: PROPERTY TAX AND RENTER REFUND FORMS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL MARCH OR LATER
*Homeowners: Mortgage interest and real estate taxes Property Tax statement mailed by the county in March
*Renters: Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP)
*Mobile Home Owners: If volunteers are available, we will schedule a day to complete your M1PR in late July or early August, after the statement of tax due has been provided.
5. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
*Previous year’s tax return
*Verification of health insurance (Form 1095-A)
*Record of charitable donations
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION
*Picture ID for all taxpayers on the return
*Birthdate for all persons listed on the tax return
*Social Security card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) card or letter for all persons listed on the tax return
*Routing and account numbers for your savings account, checking account, and/or prepaid card if you want direct deposit
2. YEAR-END INCOME STATEMENTS
*W-2s for each job
*1099 forms for retirement, Social Security, unemployment, interest, dividends, stock sales, and miscellaneous income
*Year-end amounts for MFIP, SSI, MSA, GA, veterans’ benefits, workers’ compensation
3. EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE CREDITS
*Record of educational expenses you paid for your children in grades K-12. You may pick up a save your education expense receipts envelope at any Lakes and Pines office.
*Tuition expenses paid for you or your child to attend a college or university (Form 1098-T)
*Student loan interest statement (Form 1098-E)
*Child care expenses: Provider name, address, tax ID, or Social Security number
4. PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS AND DEDUCTIONS
NOTE: PROPERTY TAX AND RENTER REFUND FORMS WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL MARCH OR LATER
*Homeowners: Mortgage interest and real estate taxes Property Tax statement mailed by the county in March
*Renters: Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP)
*Mobile Home Owners: If volunteers are available, we will schedule a day to complete your M1PR in late July or early August, after the statement of tax due has been provided.
5. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
*Previous year’s tax return
*Verification of health insurance (Form 1095-A)
*Record of charitable donations
Prepare your own taxes for free!
Lakes and Pines will help you get ready and provide you with the resources you need to file confidently
for free. This service is limited to people with incomes of $84,000 or less. (*If your income is over
$84,000, please check our FAQ’s at the bottom of this page for another free-file option*)
Our Do-it-Yourself Tax Prep resources include:
● Support via email and phone to get you over the finish line and file if you get stuck in your tax return!
● This link to create a free account so you can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income taxes as well as the Minnesota property tax refund.
How do I get help?
If you have questions about the DIY Tax Prep service or your taxes, get in touch! We will reply within three business days.
You can email our support address directly at taxes2025@lakesandpines.org or call us at 320-679-1800, option 4. Please don’t send information containing your Social Security number, ITIN, account password, or other private information to us via email.
FAQs
How long will I be able to access this service/my return?
You’ll have access to OnlineTaxes to file and print your return until mid-October 2025. After that point in time, OnlineTaxes will disable access until late-January 2026 while they update the system for next year. If you file(d) a return through the software, please, please save or print a copy of your return, as you won’t be able to get back into the software after early October!
Can I do a prior year tax return using DIY tax prep?
No, DIY Tax Prep software supports only the current tax year. From late-January until mid- October, you can file a 2024 tax return.
Who’s a good fit for DIY tax prep?
This service is best for people who:
● Made $84,000 or less in 2024
● Are comfortable using a computer
● Have easy access to email
● Feel comfortable reading and following written instructions
● Want to learn more about tax filing
Who’s a good fit for DIY tax prep?
This service is best for people who:
● Made $84,000 or less in 2024
● Are comfortable using a computer
● Have easy access to email
● Feel comfortable reading and following written instructions
● Want to learn more about tax filing
Who’s not a good fit for DIY tax prep?
People with these situations won’t be able to use the free DIY Tax Prep option:
● Aren’t comfortable using a computer
● Do not have easy access to email
● Made over $84,000 in 2024
● Filing returns prior to Tax Year 2024
● Filing an amended return that was not originally prepared using the TaxSlayer DIY Tax Prep software
What tax situations are more challenging for DIY tax prep?
People with these tax situations can do DIY Tax Prep, but it is important you understand your tax situation well:
● Self-employed
● Filing for education tax credits (college/university/post-secondary students)
● Topics that are out-of-scope for Lakes & Pines (e.g. rental income, bankruptcy, or clergy income) Contact us if you have questions about what else is out of scope
● Filing multiple state returns
● State returns other than Minnesota are out of Lakes and Pines scope. You can file for other states via the software but support from our tax volunteers is not available if you run into issues
● Form 1040-NR
● Need to amend their return (originally prepared using TaxSlayer DIY Tax Prep software)
Are there income guidelines to use DIY tax prep?
If you made over $84,000 in 2024, you cannot use this service. There is a strict income guideline built into the software, it is very important you verify your income is not over $84,000 before you start your return. Can you help me with my taxes if my income is over $84,000?
Lakes & Pines can’t help you directly, but we encourage you to go to myfreetaxes.com provides free-file options for people who make over $84,000.
How do I get help?
Call us at 320-679-1800 or 800-832-6082, Option 4 or email us directly at taxes2025@lakesandpines.org February through early May.
Our Do-it-Yourself Tax Prep resources include:
● Support via email and phone to get you over the finish line and file if you get stuck in your tax return!
● This link to create a free account so you can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income taxes as well as the Minnesota property tax refund.
How do I get help?
If you have questions about the DIY Tax Prep service or your taxes, get in touch! We will reply within three business days.
You can email our support address directly at taxes2025@lakesandpines.org or call us at 320-679-1800, option 4. Please don’t send information containing your Social Security number, ITIN, account password, or other private information to us via email.
FAQs
How long will I be able to access this service/my return?
You’ll have access to OnlineTaxes to file and print your return until mid-October 2025. After that point in time, OnlineTaxes will disable access until late-January 2026 while they update the system for next year. If you file(d) a return through the software, please, please save or print a copy of your return, as you won’t be able to get back into the software after early October!
Can I do a prior year tax return using DIY tax prep?
No, DIY Tax Prep software supports only the current tax year. From late-January until mid- October, you can file a 2024 tax return.
Who’s a good fit for DIY tax prep?
This service is best for people who:
● Made $84,000 or less in 2024
● Are comfortable using a computer
● Have easy access to email
● Feel comfortable reading and following written instructions
● Want to learn more about tax filing
Who’s a good fit for DIY tax prep?
This service is best for people who:
● Made $84,000 or less in 2024
● Are comfortable using a computer
● Have easy access to email
● Feel comfortable reading and following written instructions
● Want to learn more about tax filing
Who’s not a good fit for DIY tax prep?
People with these situations won’t be able to use the free DIY Tax Prep option:
● Aren’t comfortable using a computer
● Do not have easy access to email
● Made over $84,000 in 2024
● Filing returns prior to Tax Year 2024
● Filing an amended return that was not originally prepared using the TaxSlayer DIY Tax Prep software
What tax situations are more challenging for DIY tax prep?
People with these tax situations can do DIY Tax Prep, but it is important you understand your tax situation well:
● Self-employed
● Filing for education tax credits (college/university/post-secondary students)
● Topics that are out-of-scope for Lakes & Pines (e.g. rental income, bankruptcy, or clergy income) Contact us if you have questions about what else is out of scope
● Filing multiple state returns
● State returns other than Minnesota are out of Lakes and Pines scope. You can file for other states via the software but support from our tax volunteers is not available if you run into issues
● Form 1040-NR
● Need to amend their return (originally prepared using TaxSlayer DIY Tax Prep software)
Are there income guidelines to use DIY tax prep?
If you made over $84,000 in 2024, you cannot use this service. There is a strict income guideline built into the software, it is very important you verify your income is not over $84,000 before you start your return. Can you help me with my taxes if my income is over $84,000?
Lakes & Pines can’t help you directly, but we encourage you to go to myfreetaxes.com provides free-file options for people who make over $84,000.
How do I get help?
Call us at 320-679-1800 or 800-832-6082, Option 4 or email us directly at taxes2025@lakesandpines.org February through early May.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The IRS VITA program, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is offered throughout the area. All sites are staffed by trained volunteers who are certified to prepare tax returns.
This program’s success relies heavily on the participation of our great volunteers! If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at our tax - sites, training starts in January. Contact us for more information and join us in mid-December for the Tax Volunteer kick-off to learn more.
This program’s success relies heavily on the participation of our great volunteers! If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at our tax - sites, training starts in January. Contact us for more information and join us in mid-December for the Tax Volunteer kick-off to learn more.
Education Tax Assistance
Minnesota has two tax relief programs for families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade: the K-12 Education Subtraction, and the K-12 Education Credit. Both programs help lower taxes and may provide a larger refund.
Click here for more information
