Things I Tell My Wife by Matt Knutson

“I think we should try to file our taxes on our own this year,” I suggested to Sera. Her hesitant agreement meant it was something we could at least attempt, though neither of us is expecting tremendous success.

There are several ways to file taxes online, but we’re planning on going the distance and filing both federal and state for free. Not everyone knows, but if you made under $60,000 in 2014, you can actually file for free using www.myfreetaxes.com.

I won’t lie, when I first heard the website address I thought it sounded a little scammy, but it’s actually legitimate. The site and its partners aim to help low- to moderate-income families file for free and claim tax credits without additional fees. They do this through nonprofit funding and using H&R Block’s software.

While we haven’t filed yet, we know our situation could be a little complicated this year. It’s our second year filing as a married couple, but Sera was a graduate student in 2014 and she’s not a citizen. Throw in a move from Iowa to Minnesota and it may not be the most simple tax filing year for us. That being said, there is something about being independent that makes this venture seem worthwhile.

Our concerns about the potential complexities we’ll encounter are put at ease by knowing there’s a 1-800 number that we can call and be able to ask questions to someone who knows about Minnesota taxes.

Regardless if you’re filing on your own or if you’re paying to have it done, getting everything you need together can be half the battle. Here’s a list from the Claim It! statewide campaign of what would be great to have with you when you file:

1. Photo ID for all persons listed on the tax return.

2. Income and public benefit statements, including W-2s for each job worked in 2014, all 1099 forms, year-end income and MNsure health insurance (form 1095-A).

3. Education credits and adjustments, including tuition expenses (Form 1098-T) and interest statement for student loans (Form 1098-E).

4. Child credits including child care expenses. You’ll need your provider’s name, address, Tax ID or Social Security number.

5. Itemized deductions, including charitable donations, medical expenses, and mortgage interest statement (Form 1098).

6. Additional documents including last year’s tax return, direct deposit information like a voided check or routing and account number, and verification of health insurance (new this year).

7. Property tax information, including a mortgage interest statement (Form 1098) if you’re a homeowner, or a certificate of rent paid if you’re renting.

Whew, that list is pretty long. I’ll honestly say I don’t know very much about taxes or tax reform, but you’d think there would be an easier way to do this. In my work with United Way of Olmsted County, I definitely see people who are down on their luck financially and see the process as too overwhelming. Their fear of filing leads them to missing the April 15 deadline and likely costs them even more in the long run. That’s why I’m thankful for these free filing opportunities.

This weekend Sera and I will likely give it our best shot and file on our own for free. If it proves too complicated for our situation, there are certainly very qualified tax preparers who we can pay to file for us. I hope it’s something we’re able to do on our own. Either way, trying something new opens up a world of new perspectives.

 

Rochester resident Matt Knutson is the communications and events director for United Way of Olmsted County.