# Prepare + Prosper > Official Prepare + Prosper business agent. Prepare + Prosper is a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides free tax preparation, financial coaching, banking… ## Ask it a question Prepare + Prosper answers for itself at https://api.hailera.com/mcp/prepareandprosper. A client that speaks MCP can connect to that address; the tool is ask_prepareandprosper and the protocol is 2026-07-28. Where this file and the agent disagree, the agent is current. ## About Prepare + Prosper About Prepare + Prosper Who we are Prepare + Prosper (P+P) is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that works with individuals and families to build brighter financial futures. - We believe everyone deserves access to financial empowerment, regardless of income. - We focus on people with low to moderate incomes. - We provide free tax and financial services and advocate to remove systemic barriers that stand in the way of financial security. What we do Prepare + Prosper: - Provides free tax preparation and related tax services. - Offers free financial coaching through the Money Mentors program for people who are ready to work toward a financial goal. - Provides banking support to help people access safe, affordable banking and credit-building options. - Engages in advocacy and systems change work to address the policies and systems that create barriers to financial well-being. History - Founded in 1971 by a group of like-minded, economic justice–oriented accountants. - Initially provided free accounting services to small business owners. - Soon added individual tax preparation for people with low to moderate incomes. - Has grown into one of the largest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs in Minnesota. - Has expanded financial services and products over time in response to the evolving needs of the community. Values Prepare + Prosper's work is guided by the following values: - Integrity and Responsiveness – We value transparency, openness, and accountability, and strive to listen and be responsive to the experiences, desires, needs, and barriers of our diverse community. - Innovation and Excellence – We strive to be a learning organization that seeks solutions to complex problems and barriers to financial well-being. We are committed to quality, improvement, and excellence in every aspect of our work. - Trust and Respect – We believe that individuals and families are capable and resilient, and must be respected and trusted as experts in their own financial lives. - Racial Equity and Economic Justice – We recognize the historical and current impact of racism on economic inequities. We are committed to addressing systemic racism and supporting customers in building their financial well-being. Who we serve Prepare + Prosper serves people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities without discrimination, with a focus on individuals and families with low to moderate incomes in and around Saint Paul and the broader Minnesota community. Source: https://www.prepareandprosper.org ## What Prepare + Prosper does Prepare + Prosper's work goes beyond providing direct services. Through advocacy and systems change, we work to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent people with low to moderate incomes from achieving financial security. Our commitment - We believe everyone deserves financial empowerment. - The current financial system often is not designed to support people with low to moderate incomes. - Structural racism and ableism create additional barriers to financial security. - Our advocacy work aims to dismantle those barriers and promote financial justice. Listening to our community Listening to the community is the starting point for our advocacy: - We gather feedback through surveys, interviews, testimonies, and conversations. - This feedback helps us accurately represent our community. - Community input guides our work to: - Shape public policy. - Co-create programs and services. - Deepen community engagement. Who we serve through our tax clinics Among the people who receive free tax services at Prepare + Prosper: - Many are living with or caring for someone with a disability. - Over half are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). - A significant portion are aging community members. - The average income for tax prep customers is relatively low compared with state and national averages. These realities inform our advocacy priorities and our focus on financial justice. Advocacy is in our roots - Prepare + Prosper was founded in 1971 by social justice–minded accountants who sought to build a fairer financial system. - From the beginning, the organization has combined direct service with a commitment to economic justice. - Today, we continue to align our work with that founding vision, using our experience at tax clinics to understand how policy affects people in real time. Our approach - Financial hardship crosses political divides. Our advocacy work is bipartisan. - We serve people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and identities without discrimination. - We focus on financial empowerment for all, with particular attention to people with lower incomes and those who have been historically exploited or excluded from fair financial systems. Systems Change Department - Prepare + Prosper created a Systems Change Department in January 2024. - This department operates under the leadership of our Executive Director, Suyapa Miranda. - The Systems Change team works to: - Root policies, projects, and initiatives in fairness and inclusion. - Ensure that services reach people with diverse needs. - Advance community advocacy and shape systems so that people with lower incomes are financially empowered. For more detail on current advocacy priorities or campaigns, customers should refer to the advocacy information on the Prepare + Prosper website or contact the organization directly. Free Tax Preparation Services Prepare + Prosper provides free tax preparation services so people with low to moderate incomes do not lose money to tax filing fees and can claim every tax credit they qualify for. All tax preparation is done by appointment (see "Appointments and scheduling" below). Who our tax services are for - Individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. - Customers who want help filing current-year tax returns. - Customers who need help with certain prior-year or back tax returns (see "Back taxes and prior-year returns"). What we can and cannot prepare We are able to prepare a wide variety of tax situations – including simple, complex, and itemized returns. However, IRS regulations limit which returns we can prepare. We cannot prepare your taxes if, for the year you want to file, you: - Made any taxable cryptocurrency transactions. - Received rental income (rent payments from someone else). - Declared bankruptcy. There are additional, less common situations that may be beyond our scope. If you are unsure whether we can help with your specific situation, call 651-287-0187 to ask about your eligibility. Back taxes and prior-year returns Prepare + Prosper commonly assists customers with prior-year tax returns. - If you are looking to file a return from the last three years, any of our locations should be able to assist you, as long as you meet our qualifications and your situation is within our scope of services. - Be sure to bring all of the appropriate documents, organized by each tax year you wish to file. - Do not delay – federal and state tax refunds generally expire after three years, and property tax refunds generally expire after two years. For tax returns that are more than three years old or if you need to file many years of returns: - Call 651-287-0187 to schedule an appointment at our main office. - For returns more than three years old, we ask that you have either a notice from the IRS or Minnesota Revenue or that you owe on your taxes in order for us to prepare them. - If you need several years of returns prepared, you may need to come in more than once, as we typically can only complete two tax years per appointment. Amended returns Prepare + Prosper can assist with amended tax returns, with important limits: - We only amend returns that were originally prepared by Prepare + Prosper. - Due to capacity limits, we cannot amend tax returns that were self-prepared or originally filed with another tax preparer. Timing for amended returns can vary by tax year and season. For the 2025 tax filing season, for example, P+P planned to: - Amend Tax Year 2021 returns during the main 2025 filing season. - Begin amending other years during summer sessions starting in June. If Prepare + Prosper prepared the original return that needs to be amended: - You typically do not need an appointment specifically for the amendment. - You must complete an amendment request form and bring it to our offices. - Call 651-287-0187 to confirm the current process for submitting amendment information. Renters and homeowners refunds Prepare + Prosper can help with renter and homeowner refunds. Renters - Beginning Tax Season 2025, the Renter's Credit is included as part of the Minnesota state tax return. - There is no longer a separate process or separate summer refund for the Renter's Credit. - We strongly encourage you to wait until you have all of your Certificates of Rent Paid (CRPs) before scheduling your tax appointment so that your Renter's Credit can be processed correctly. Homeowners and mobile homeowners To file for your homeowner's refund during your tax appointment, please bring: - Homeowners: Your Property Tax Statement for the year (typically mailed by your county in March). - Mobile homeowners: Both your Property Tax Statement (often mailed in June) and your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) if you rent the land your mobile home is located on. If you already filed your state and federal taxes with Prepare + Prosper and only need help with a homeowner refund: - Complete the Homeowner + Mobile Homeowners Info form available on the Customer Tax Tools page on our website. - Mail or fax the form with a copy of your Property Tax Statement: - By mail: Prepare + Prosper, Attn: tax department, 2610 University Ave, Ste 450, St. Paul, MN 55114 - By fax: Attn: tax department, 651-287-0190 - Wait to receive a copy of your completed forms by mail. These returns are typically prepared after April 15, since the due date for many property tax refunds is later in the year. Getting a copy of your tax return If you filed your tax return with Prepare + Prosper: - We keep copies of tax returns on file for three years. - You can request a copy by calling 651-287-0187. - For security reasons, we can only: - Mail a copy to the address listed on the return, or - Provide a copy for you to pick up in person with identity verification. Prepaid debit cards (Focus card) Some customers receive their tax refunds on a Focus prepaid debit card. - The Focus card typically arrives in the mail about 7–10 business days after you file your taxes with us, with your refund deposited onto the card. - If you have not received your card within that time, contact Focus card customer service at 877-474-0100 or visit www.usbankfocus.com. - If you still need help after contacting Focus, you can call Prepare + Prosper at 651-262-2167 and ask for the tax + financial services team. Appointments and scheduling - All tax preparation is done by appointment. - You can check appointment availability and schedule an appointment via the online scheduling link on our website. For questions about eligibility, scope, or scheduling, call 651-287-0187 during our administrative office hours (see the separate document on contact information and office hours). Overview Money Mentors is Prepare + Prosper's free financial coaching program. - It is designed for people who are ready to work toward a financial goal. - Coaching is focused on financial empowerment for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. - Money Mentors is one of several programs offered by Prepare + Prosper alongside free tax preparation, banking support, and advocacy. What to expect The website describes Money Mentors as a program that offers free financial coaching. Specific details about the format (such as number of sessions, meeting locations, or exact topics) may change over time. Typical areas that financial coaching can cover include: - Setting and working toward personal financial goals. - Understanding income, expenses, and cash flow. - Developing habits that support long-term financial stability. For the most current information about how the Money Mentors program works, including how to enroll, visit the Money Mentors / Financial Coaching section of the Prepare + Prosper website or contact the organization directly at 651-287-0187. Source: https://www.prepareandprosper.org ## Where Prepare + Prosper works Lists Mobile, Prosper, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and University as a location. Names Minnesota as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published. ## Hours and contact Main contact details - Main phone: 651-287-0187 For general questions about services, eligibility, and scheduling. - Fax: 855-564-4199 - Tax + financial services support line: 651-262-2167 For follow-up questions related to certain financial products (for example, Focus prepaid debit cards used for tax refunds). If you need to contact Prepare + Prosper about a specific program, you can start with the main phone number and staff will direct you. Mailing and office address - Main office address: Prepare + Prosper 2610 University Ave, Ste 450 St. Paul, MN 55114 This address is used for: - Mailing certain forms and documents (for example, homeowner refund forms and supporting documents). - In-person visits for some services and questions. Administrative office hours Prepare + Prosper's administrative office hours are: - Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. During these hours: - You can expect calls to the main phone line (651-287-0187) to be returned. - The main office at 2610 University Ave, Ste 450, St. Paul, MN 55114 is generally open for walk-in questions. Note: Tax preparation hours do not always align with administrative office hours. All tax preparation is done by appointment. Tax clinics, appointments, and locations - All tax preparation at Prepare + Prosper is by appointment only. - Customers can check availability and schedule appointments using the online scheduling link available on the Prepare + Prosper website. Seasonal tax clinic schedule and relocation (as stated on the website) Information published on the Prepare + Prosper website for the 2026 season notes that: - 2026 tax clinics are completed for the year. - No fall clinics will be held as the organization prepares for and completes an office relocation. - Beginning September 15, the University Avenue location will permanently close. - On October 1, Northeast Minneapolis will become home to the main tax clinic. - Tax clinics are planned to be closed until January 2027. Because clinic dates, locations, and schedules can change from year to year, customers should always: - Check the Prepare + Prosper website for the most current tax clinic information, or - Call 651-287-0187 during administrative hours to confirm current clinic locations and appointment availability. Source: https://www.prepareandprosper.org ## FAIR Banking Support Services Prepare + Prosper's FAIR Banking work helps people navigate banking rules and fees and access safe, affordable financial products. What FAIR Banking helps with The FAIR team provides safe and reliable support to help you access bank accounts or explore credit-building products. They can help you: - Learn more about choosing and opening a checking account, savings account, or getting started with building credit. - Get assistance applying for a checking account, savings account, or a credit builder loan. - Identify common bank fees and strategies to avoid or reduce those fees. - Review your ChexSystems banking history report or credit report(s) and discuss steps you can take to build positive history. - Understand why you may have been denied bank accounts in the past and explore new banking options. - Learn how to use online or mobile banking, bill pay, and other tools and features offered by banks and credit unions. Additional information For more information about FAIR Banking and related services, you can visit FAIRfinancial.org via the link on Prepare + Prosper's website. Source: https://www.prepareandprosper.org ## Volunteering, Careers, and Ways to Get Involved Prepare + Prosper relies on community members, partners, and donors to advance its mission of building brighter financial futures. Volunteer opportunities There are several ways to volunteer with Prepare + Prosper, including: - Serving as a volunteer tax preparer at a tax clinic. - Volunteering as a Customer Support Volunteer at tax sites. - Becoming a Money Mentors coach. - Volunteering as a financial planner or in other specialized roles as opportunities arise. Information from the careers and volunteer information pages indicates that: - Prepare + Prosper recruits volunteers in advance of each tax season. - For example, recruitment may begin for the upcoming tax season (such as the 2027 Tax Season) well before the season starts. - Interested volunteers are encouraged to sign up for an information session through the website to learn more about current opportunities and training. For the most accurate, up-to-date volunteer information, including role descriptions and training details, check the Volunteer section of the Prepare + Prosper website. Employment opportunities (Careers) Prepare + Prosper periodically hires for permanent, seasonal, and temporary positions. As described on the careers page at the time of this information: - Permanent positions: At that time, permanent roles were filled. - Seasonal positions: Seasonal roles for the current tax season were also filled. Open positions and hiring needs change over time. When roles are open, the careers page typically asks applicants to: - Provide a resume and cover letter describing relevant experience and education. - Explain: - Why they are interested in the position. - Why they want to work for Prepare + Prosper. - Highlight skills, accomplishments, and interests that help the hiring team see them in the role. What Prepare + Prosper looks for in team members The organization values: - Inclusiveness, passion, and compassion. - Excellence, innovation, and thoughtful risk-taking. - A strong desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. - A willingness to collaborate across teams and participate in tax-time related activities such as volunteer events, tax clinics, and trainings. Applicants are encouraged to speak to how Prepare + Prosper's mission and work intersect with their personal and professional passions. Equal employment opportunity Prepare + Prosper is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on: - Race - Sex - Age - Religion - Color - National origin - Disability - Genetic information - Marital status - Veteran status - Sexual orientation - Gender identity or expression - Housing status - Any other non-merit factor protected under state, local, or federal laws For current openings, visit the Careers page on the Prepare + Prosper website. Donations and partnerships Community support is critical to Prepare + Prosper's work. - Donations: Individuals can make financial contributions to support free tax preparation, financial coaching, banking support, and advocacy work. Donation links on the website may direct you to a secure external giving platform. - Institutional support: Like many nonprofits, P+P relies on institutional funding, which can fluctuate from year to year. Individual donations help sustain programs when institutional support is uncertain. - Partnerships: P+P values community partnerships. Organizations can collaborate with Prepare + Prosper in a variety of ways, including outreach, referrals, and co-hosted initiatives. Partners can also request marketing and educational materials. For more information about donating or partnering, use the contact information on the website or the "Contact" options provided with the donation and partnership pages. Source: https://www.prepareandprosper.org ## What Prepare + Prosper has not published yet These are things people ask Prepare + Prosper that its published information does not yet cover. - prices - appointment availability - tax refund amounts or processing times - legal or individualized tax advice - guaranteed credit or loan approvals - employment or hiring decisions Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess. ## Where this comes from https://www.prepareandprosper.org