Our Advocacy In Action
Everyone deserves financial empowerment.
Our Impact
We’re the largest VITA site in the state of Minnesota and recognized nationally for this work. With that recognition comes responsibility. We’re invited to make change at the policy level and other VITA sites across the country look to us as a model — for how we lead, innovate and drive change. Advocacy is woven into everything we do.
Crecimiento Latino
In Tax Season 2024, we launched the culturally specific tax site Crecimiento Latino, tailored for Latino communities. This site was created in response to the unique challenges that Latino individuals and families face when it comes to tax preparation, including language barriers, lack of trust in the traditional financial system, and limited access to culturally competent services. Crecimiento Latino ensures that Latino people receive the support they need for tax preparation, helping them navigate the complexities of the tax code and access resources that further support financial stability and empowerment.
Increasing Accessibility at Prepare + Prosper
Accessibility is a top priority for us. At least 40% of our customers live with or care for someone with a disability. While we had existing disability parking spaces, they were located too far from the building. We worked with the owner of our building and the city of St. Paul to secure accessible parking right in front of the Court West building, making it easier to access the services at Prepare + Prosper.
Dr. Alvin Akibar, Systems Change Director, Testifying in 2025 
Willie Gregg, Tax and Financial Services Sr. Manager, Testifying in 2025 
Willie Gregg and Dr. Alvin Akibar Testifying in 2025 
Kate Gjerstad-Howd (Sr. Engagement Strategist), Suyapa Miranda (Executive Director), and Alejandro Valenzuela Jr (Cultural Innovation and TFS Director) at the Capitol 
Willie Gregg, Dr. Alvin Akibar, Suyapa Miranda, and Alejandro Valenzuela Jr. 
Willie Gregg Testifying in 2024 
Dr. Alvin Akibar Testifying in 2024 
Alejandro Valenzuela Jr. Testifying in 2024
Testifying at the House and Senate
P+P staff regularly testifies at the State Legislature in support of House and Senate bills that maintain and increase funding for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites. Our appointments quickly fill up each year, highlighting the overwhelming need for free tax services in our communities. All Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, not just Prepare + Prosper, need to meet this growing demand. Expanding state funding allows all VITA sites to increase their capacity and strengthen the financial security for hundreds of thousands of families in Minnesota.
We also testify in support of taxpayer outreach efforts to inform communities about new tax credits or other tax changes.
Educating Minnesotans about
Important Tax Changes
Many Minnesotans miss out on valuable tax credits because they don’t know they qualify. The tax system can be difficult to understand, and without the right information, people often leave money on the table. Our outreach work aims to bridge this gap by providing clear information to individuals and families so they can empowered to make their own choices and claim the money they deserve.
Minnesota Child Tax Credit
Minnesota’s creation of the Child Tax Credit (MN CTC) was a major win in our state for families and provides much-needed financial relief. Because it is new, there are many individuals and families that are unaware that this credit exists and that it differs from the Federal Child Tax Credit.
Advance Payments of the Minnesota Child Tax Credit
The new option to receive advance payments of the MN CTC can help families budget for expenses throughout the year like bills, educational expenses, and more. However, it is crucial that our communities fully understand how these payments work so they can make a well informed decision about how to receive the MN CTC.
Expanded K-12 Education Credit
Most families with children qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Families under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even if they do not owe any taxes. Families need to be made aware they should keep their receipts for school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band to lower their taxable income or receive money back.
Renters Credit Updates
Beginning Tax Year 2024, Minnesota renters no longer file their property tax refund separately on the form M1PR. Instead, they claim it directly on the M1 form. This change simplifies the tax filing process for renters. While this change makes accessing the property tax refund easier, it is crucial that filers understand that there is no separate filing process, that they need to bring Certificates of Rent paid while filing, and that they won’t be receiving a separate payment in the summer.
