Bringing Resources Back to Community
Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what credits you qualify for or where to turn for trusted support. Ke’ya Tax Clinic exists to change that. Offered as a program through Mni Sota Fund, Ke’ya Tax Clinic provides free, confidential tax preparation for individuals and families across Minnesota, grounded in care, accuracy, and community trust.
Ke’ya is part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Our trained volunteers help community members file basic federal and state tax returns and claim the credits they have earned. No cost. No judgment. Just steady support.
A First Year Impact
In its first year, Ke’ya helped community members file current and prior year tax returns at no cost, supported hundreds of taxpayer return records, and helped return $672,518 in positive federal and state refunds to households and communities.
Throughout 2026, Ke’ya volunteers supported 293 taxpayer return records, helping community members navigate the filing process and access refunds and credits.
The clinic’s first year included:
$672,518 in positive federal and state refunds
293 taxpayer return records served
$73,250 in estimated tax preparation fee savings, based on an assumed cost of $250 per return
66 records for prior tax years
By offering preparation at no cost, Ke’ya helped taxpayers keep more of their resources. The estimated savings reflect preparation fees community members might otherwise have paid, in addition to the refunds the clinic helped them claim.
Helping Community Members Catch Up
The need for tax assistance continues beyond the traditional filing season. For someone with unfiled returns from previous years, knowing where to begin can be a challenge.
Of the records Ke’ya supported this year, 66 were for prior tax years. This work helped taxpayers catch up on filing, claim missed refunds and credits, and regain compliance with federal and state requirements.
Providing assistance with both current and prior year returns responds to an ongoing community need. It gives people a place to take the next step, whether they are filing for the current year or working through outstanding returns.
Volunteers Made It Possible
Ke’ya’s first year was powered by 15 volunteers who contributed at least 347 hours.
Their contributions spanned tax preparation, quality review, intake, and taxpayer guidance. Each role helped move the process forward, from welcoming community members and gathering information to reviewing returns and helping taxpayers understand their next steps.
We are grateful to every volunteer who made time for this work. Their commitment helped turn the clinic’s first year into meaningful support for the people it served.
We also thank the community members who trusted Ke’ya with their tax preparation. That trust is an essential part of building a clinic that can continue responding to community needs.
Help Shape Ke’ya’s Next Chapter
As we celebrate this first year, we look forward to building on the work our volunteers and community made possible.
If you would like to contribute your time, learn new skills, and help make tax filing more accessible, consider joining Ke’ya’s volunteer crew. Opportunities include greeting and intake, tax preparation, and quality review. Training begins November 18!
Who Can Use KE’YA Tax Clinic?
You may qualify for free tax preparation if you have a simple tax return and meet income guidelines. This often includes:
• Individuals & families with income less than $69,000
• Elders
• People with disabilities
• Limited English speakers
You do not need to be a previous Mni Sota Fund client to receive services.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help your appointment go smoothly, please bring:
Photo Identification
Social Security cards for everyone on your tax return
W2 forms
Any 1099 forms
1098 T forms for education
1095 A forms for health insurance
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
Last year’s tax return if available
Receipts for self employment or gig work expenses
Property tax or rent certificate if applying for the renter refund
For DIY filers, you will need to have your tax return from last year available, either printed or on your phone
The DIY Tax Filing Option
Our DIY KE’YA Tax Clinic is now open at MAIC for community members who prefer a self guided option. This option is especially helpful for those who want to file independently or whose income is above our standard VITA limits.
During the DIY clinic, you’ll create your own account through an authorized IRS tax software program and work on your return using laptops onsite. A staff member will be available in the room if questions come up along the way.
Eligibility Highlights
Income limit up to $89,000
Ability to complete Schedule C with business write offs
Support available in the room if you need guidance
Clinic Hours
Everything 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and Thursdays for the month
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | MAIC 2nd Floord
Appointment only
Tax Credits You May Qualify For
Many people miss out on refunds simply because they are unaware of available tax credits. KE’YA volunteers are trained to help identify credits that may significantly increase your refund.
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The Minnesota Child Tax Credit is a refundable credit of up to $1,750 per child under age 18, with no limit on the number of children you can claim.
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The Minnesota Working Family Credit supports working individuals and families whose income falls below certain thresholds.
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Families with qualifying children over age 17 may be eligible for this refundable credit.
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Minnesota offers education related tax benefits to help families reduce taxes and increase refunds.
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Renters may qualify for a refundable credit that provides property tax relief through their income tax return.
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Homeowners may be eligible for property tax relief to help offset property taxes paid.
Cece Benimon, KE’YA Site Coordinator
Meet Your KE’YA Tax Clinic Site Coordinator
KE’YA Tax Clinic is led by Cecelia (Cece) Benimon, our Site Coordinator for the tax season.
Cece is a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota and also has Filipino heritage. She lives in South Minneapolis and brings both lived experience and deep professional knowledge to this role. Cecelia previously worked at Mni Sota Fund and has led tax clinic operations in the past, returning with strong familiarity and expertise in community based tax services.
With more than five years of experience preparing taxes for individuals, families, and small businesses, Cecelia brings steady leadership and care to KE’YA. Her role helps ensure that volunteers are supported, privacy and quality standards are upheld, and community members feel welcomed and informed throughout the tax process.
Interested in Volunteering with KE’YA?
KE’YA Tax Clinic relies on community volunteers to make free tax services possible.
No prior tax experience is required. Training and IRS certification are provided. Volunteer roles include tax preparation and intake support.
Volunteer benefits include
• resume building experience
• community service hours
• free IRS VITA certification
• a supportive, care centered team environment
Volunteering with KE’YA is a meaningful way to give back while building valuable skills.
