Frequently asked questions about taxes
Get answers to your most pressing questions for filing your 2023 taxes. Answers are for educational purposes only and are based on current law when written.
There are numerous Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Minnesota that provide free tax prep in languages other than English (Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Sign, and Vietnamese). The Minnesota Department of Revenue has an excellent search tool to find them. Be sure to select the language you want to search for in the tool.
Prepare + Prosper has a list of what to bring for tax prep for individuals and also for people who are self-employed. The list includes types of identification, income records, childcare records and housing records that are needed for certain credits or refunds.
- Confirm you DO NOT qualify for a free tax prep option.
- Check qualifications.
- Read reviews of the preparer.
- Ask about service fees.
- Check that the preparer is accessible.
- Review the entire return before signing (you are responsible for its accuracy).
- Employers are required to have W2s addressed and mailed by January 31 each year.
- Request a missing W2 from the IRS.
You can check your refund on the IRS website.
There is a Renter's Property Refund in Minnesota for renters who meet all of the following:
- Live in a building where property taxes were assessed and paid.
- Be a Minnesota resident (part-year or full-year resident)
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Not be a dependent.
- Have household income below $69,520.
- Have a Minnesota Department of Revenue Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) issued from their landlord.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue has further information for revenue that has been recaptured due to bankruptcy, medical service exemptions, public assistance, contested case hearings, nonliable spouse, and overpayments and refunds.
Related Resources
Minnesota guide to local tax credits
Legal help
Assistance for low- to middle-income taxpayers with audit, back tax debt, or other legal issues related to taxes.
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Tax Law Project Intake Line: (612) 334-5970
- University of Minnesota Tax Law Clinic Intake Line: (612) 625-5515
- Volunteer Lawyers Network Intake Line: (612) 752-6677
- Law Help Minnesota offers tax fact sheets and translated tax information resources.
Information but NO assistance with tax preparation or filing
- Local IRS Taxpayer Advocate call 1-877-777-4778 to find an advocate in your state OR fill out IRS Form 911.
Learn more about filing your 2023 taxes by watching a pre-recorded webinar series Taxes 101 with speakers from University of Minnesota Extension, Prepare + Prosper, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
Taxes 101
Reviewed in 2023