Over 360,000 children have already benefited, with families receiving an average credit of $2508

Saint Paul, MN - Governor Tim Walz today urged Minnesotans to file for the Child Tax Credit before Tax Day on Monday, April 15. He was joined by volunteer tax preparers and a mother of four who received the Child Tax Credit this year. Over 360,000 children have already benefitted from the credit, with families receiving an average credit of $2508.

“Our nation-leading Child Tax Credit puts thousands of dollars back in the pockets of working families to help put food on the table, pay for child care, and afford unexpected medical bills,” said Governor Walz. “I urge all Minnesotans to file their taxes before April 15, so they can claim the benefits available to them. This is one of the ways we’re taking a weight off families’ shoulders and making it easier for parents to raise happy, healthy kids.”

Minnesotans can claim the Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child by filing a 2023 individual income tax return. 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 on the Child Tax Credit webpage .?

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 open through April 15.

About free tax preparation sites

Last year, the VITA and AARP TCE 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 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (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.

Minnesotans can search for a site on the department’s website using their search feature and interactive map. Visit the Department of Revenue website for a list of suggested items to bring to a tax preparation site, including a photo ID, W-2 information, banking information for direct deposit, and other applicable items.

Free electronic filing is also available for Minnesotans with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 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.