Free tax filing assistance is available in county

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. Most sites are open through April 15.

Carlton County sites include the following:

• Cloquet Public

Library, Fridays 9 a.m. to

1 p.m. Appointments are preferred, call 218-499-8105.

• Moose Lake Community Building, Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., by appointment only. Call 218-485-8225.

• Lakes and Pines Moose Lake, Tuesdays 3-7 p.m., by appointment only. Call 320-679-1800.

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. She said it will make filing easier and more accurate and help securely file claims for any refunds available.

You can get help at a assistance 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 $56,000.

• The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for all Minnesotans, particularly those age 50 or older. AARP has no income restrictions.

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