Gov. Tim Walz announced that Minnesota families have claimed $231 million through the new Child Tax Credit, benefitting 183,000 children. Families have qualified for an average credit of $1,322. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have visited sites offering free tax preparation assistance and will continue traveling the state to encourage Minnesotans to file for the new Child Tax Credit.
The tax credit of up to $1,750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by up to one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households, including 513,000 children, are estimated to qualify for the credit.
“We are seeing the benefits of investing in kids and families in real time as middle class Minnesotans across the state receive thousands of dollars to help cover life’s expenses,” said Walz . “Our Child Tax Credit is helping families and children right now, while also making an investment that will pay off for generations.”
“I am so excited to see the numbers grow as more and more families take advantage of the Child Tax Credit. We have committed to making Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a family and this credit is helping us do just that,” said Flanagan. “Life happens, and whether it’s paying for child care, covering an emergency medical bill, or putting food on the table, we want to help Minnesotans land on their feet. That means ensuring 100 percent of eligible families access these dollars. We will continue working with our community partners to spread the word and help lower costs for Minnesotans.”
Minnesotans can now claim the Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. You must file a 2023 individual income tax return in order to claim the credit. Most taxpayers who are eligible to claim the new Child Tax Credit are also eligible for free tax preparation assistance. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications at https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/child-tax-credit.
Over 170 sites offering free tax preparation assistance are now open to help those filing income tax and property tax refund returns. Sites are staffed by certified volunteers and offer in-person and virtual options with most being open through April 15. To recognize volunteers for their service to their communities, Governor Walz also proclaimed February as Volunteer Tax Preparer Appreciation Month.
About free tax preparation sites
Last year, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP programs prepared almost 49,000 federal tax returns, more than 49,000 Minnesota income tax returns, and nearly 38,000 property tax refund returns for Minnesota taxpayers. All those returns provided over $96 million in federal, state income, and property tax refunds.
Free tax preparation criteria
Minnesotans can get help at a VITA 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 $64,000.
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.
