With income tax season now open, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that over 200 sites will be offering free tax assistance for those filing income tax and property tax refund returns, according to a press release. Most sites are open through April 15.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Tax-Aide programs are two free tax preparation options where volunteers help Minnesotans prepare their federal and state returns. The Internal Revenue Service certifies volunteers from both programs to prepare basic tax returns in communities across Minnesota.

“Thousands of Minnesotans are eligible for free tax preparation services or free tax preparation software this tax season,” said Revenue Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly. “These free services help make filing easier and can help you accurately and securely file your income tax return and claim any refund that you may be entitled to receive.”

Last year, the VITA program prepared more than 71,000 federal tax returns, more than 75,000 Minnesota income tax returns and almost 57,000 property tax refund returns for Minnesota taxpayers. All those returns provided more than $133 million in federal, state income, and property tax refunds.

People can get help at a VITA site if any of the following apply:

• Are age 60 or older.

• Are a person with a disability.

• Speak limited or no English.

• Annual income is less than $56,000.

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.

Free electronic filing is also available for Minnesotans with an adjusted gross income of $69,000 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.

You can search for a site near you on the department’s website using their search feature and interactive map, the release stated. You can search for sites by zip code or county, and find sites with interpreters and volunteers certified to file military returns. The interactive map has search options by city, county, or zip code.

You will need to bring certain items with you when visiting a site such as a photo ID, W-2 information, banking information for direct deposit and other applicable items. Visit the department’s website for a list of suggested items to bring to a tax preparation site.

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up for our email subscription list.