Tri-CAP is offering free tax preparation for residents of Sherburne, Stearns, and Benton Counties. The service is free for anyone who makes under $58,000 annually. 

New this year, appointments are available at the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River. All of the Tri-CAP tax preparers have special certification from the IRS, and all taxes are reviewed by an experienced member. 

Tailor Doeden

Tailor Doeden offers appointments at the government center every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. She has worked with Tri-CAP for seven years, four of which she has been helping people in the tri-county area prepare their taxes. 

Doeden joined Tri-CAP to be a part of their vehicle program, which helps to fix and lease cars for residents who need the assistance. She brought her expertise of working with her family’s shop, Rite Away Auto in Big Lake. 

Since she joined with Tri-CAP, Doeden has become involved in their other programs as well, including helping residents prep their taxes.

“I enjoy the taxes,” Doeden confessed. “Although some people don’t believe me – especially my family!”

Doeden is assisted by volunteers from a St. Cloud State University accounting class. The students earn credit by helping Doeden work with residents from around the counties. 

“All the volunteers make it a fun experience,” Doeden said. 

Tax Prep

So far, there are still many open appointment slots at the government center location, and Doeden urged eligible residents to grab onto the opportunity.

“Only about 10% of the appointment slots have been filled,” Doeden claimed, leading to some slow days for her and her volunteers. 

There are two types of appointments available. Residents can schedule a two hour appointment and leave with their taxes completely ready, or else they can schedule a half hour appointment, during which Doeden goes over the information with the filer, and then can leave and pick up the completed taxes when Doeden and her team are finished with it. It can take up to four weeks for Doeden and her team to complete the taxes, but with the scarcity of appointments the turnaround lately has been much faster, usually within the same day. 

Appointments are also available on Mondays at the Tri-CAP office in Waite Park, and on Thursday and Saturday at the Salvation Army in St. Cloud. Residents can make appointments online at TriCAP.org or by calling the Tri-CAP office at 320-251-1612. Appointments are available through April 5.

Tri-CAP is also looking for volunteers for the program. They are looking for greeters and tax preppers. Those interested can sign up at TriCAP.org or call 320-251-1612.