Free Tax Services

Free Tax Services

WEII has offered free income tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program since 2005. VITA is a program administered by the Internal Revenue Service that helps low- and moderate-income taxpayers file tax returns free of charge. WEII offers free income tax preparation services from late January through early November.

To schedule an appointment, call 218.396.1002 or CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

In-Person and Virtual Tax Preparation

During the 2026 tax filing season, WEII will operate three in-person tax assistance sites:

  • Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen – 777 South Casino Road, Mahnomen MN 56557
  • First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes – 912 Lake Avenue, Detroit Lakes MN 56501
  • Graystone Hotel – 718 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes MN 56501
      • January 28 through April 10
          • Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1pm to 4pm ONLY
          • Meet with an Intake Specialist to complete intake forms and drop off your tax documents. Our preparers will complete your tax returns and meet with you to review and efile your returns, generally within 7 to 10 business days. No appointment necessary.
      • April 20 through October 15
          • In-person or drop-off services available. Appointments are necessary.

VERY IMPORTANT for 2026:  Due to an out-of-state training conflict, tax site staff will be unavailable from April 10 through April 17. This means that our tax sites will close before the April 15 filing deadline and tax site staff will not be able to assist you with last-minute filings. Keep in mind that if you have a balance due on your tax returns and your returns are not filed by the April 15 deadline, penalties and interest will accrue on your balance. If you expect to have a balance due return, please plan ahead so that your return can be filed no later than April 10. Tax site staff will be available again beginning April 20 at the WEII office in Detroit Lakes.

 

Refer to the Eligibility and Tax Preparation Checklist on this page to ensure adequate preparation for the appointment.

Free Self-Preparation Option Available

WEII offers free self-preparation options for taxpayers who would prefer to prepare their own tax returns or who cannot use our VITA services because of missing identification documents or tax situations that are out of scope for our tax sites. For more information, visit our Free Self-Preparation Service page.

Support for WEII VITA Program

The White Earth Tax Site is a service of White Earth Investment Initiative, with support from the Internal Revenue Service; Minnesota Department of Revenue; Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition; Wells Fargo Foundation; Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center; First Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes; Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation; and others.

Eligibility
Tax Preparation Checklist
Become A Volunteer

Eligibility & Restrictions

To take advantage of White Earth Investment Initiative’s free tax-preparation services, residents must meet the following income guidelines:

  • $67,000 or less annual adjusted gross income

Unfortunately, we can’t prepare the following returns:

  • Military income
  • Hurricane survivors
  • Mortgage foreclosures
  • Rental income
  • Moving expenses

  • Farm income or loss
  • Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments
  • Complex capital gains
  • Virtual currency transactions

  • Hobby income
  • Businesses with employees, inventory, depreciation, businesses with more than $35,000 in expenses

For taxpayers who have situations that would be out of scope for our tax sites, WEII has a free self-preparation option available. Click HERE for more information.

Helpful Links

Tax Preparation Checklist

Here’s a list of items that you should bring to your appointment:

Valid photo I.D. for all taxpayers listed on the return (required; copies are acceptable)

Social Security cards or ITIN cards for all persons listed on the tax return, including dependents (required; copies are acceptable)

Prior year’s tax returns (suggested but not required)

Written verification of bank routing and accounting numbers for direct deposit (voided check, bank statement or other document from your bank showing your bank routing and account number)

Income statements or forms:
  • Wages from each job (W-2)
  • Interest (Form 1099-INT)
  • Dividends (Form 1099-DIV)
  • Third Party Network Transactions (Form 1099-K)
  • Retirement plans (Form 1099-R)
  • Gambling winnings (Form W-2G)
  • Unemployment (Form 1099-G)
  • Social Security benefits (Form SSA)
  • Year-end income statements from MFIP, SSI, MSA, GA, veterans’ benefits and workers compensation

Expenses:
  • Education expenses* you paid for your children in grades K-12 (e.g., tutoring, rental/purchase of instruments, music lessons, pens, pencils, etc.)
  • Tuition expenses you paid to attend a university or technical college (Form 1098-T)
  • Interest you paid on student loans (Form 1098-E)
  • Daycare expenses you paid for your children; bring provider’s name, address, tax ID or Social Security number
  • Charitable donations of cash or non-cash
  • Homeowners: Mortgage interest and real estate taxes paid in 2025 (Form 1098) and statement of property tax payable in 2026 mailed by the county in March
  • Renters: Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) from your landlord

Health Insurance Forms:
  • Form 1095-A if you or your dependents received health insurance through the national or state health insurance marketplace.

*You may be eligible to claim the K-12 education subtraction and/or education credit. Learn more.

Become A Volunteer

White Earth Investment Initiative wants you to be its next tax volunteer.

Why You Should Volunteer
  • To increase your own understanding of tax law
  • To provide a free service to low- and moderate-income taxpayers
  • To serve your community
  • To meet new people
Volunteer Requirements
  • Participate in in-person, virtual, and/or self-study sessions about tax law
  • Pass the IRS volunteer exam

Volunteers are reimbursed for their travel miles.

Here’s what a few tax volunteers have to say about helping to delivery free tax services from White Earth Investment Initiative:

“We’re always looking for more volunteers. Taxes are fun!” – Dorothy

“It is enjoyable spending time with other volunteers, getting to know new people and knowing how much people appreciate the service.” – Amber

“You don’t have to be a tax expert.” – John

For more information on becoming a volunteer, please call Sue Trnka at 218-844-7029, or fill out the form below. This form is not a secure communication. Do not send sensitive or confidential data.

If you don't receive a response within three business days, please try us by phone at 218-902-2069.

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