Online registration is now closed. If
you would still like to join, email kerbach@mnbars.org before
12:00 PM on Friday, November 5.
The Minnesota
system of tax justice relies on two primary promises embodied in the missions of
the Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Minnesota Tax Court: that everyone
will report, pay, and receive the right amount of tax, no more and no less; and
that the court will provide timely and equitable disposition of appeals from tax
orders.
But while all Minnesotans are affected by the tax
system, many Minnesotans are not familiar with their rights and responsibilities
regarding that system—whether when filling out their tax forms, challenging tax
orders or property tax assessments, or understanding the collections process.
This conference recognizes the existence of ongoing institutional barriers to
tax justice and seeks to dismantle those barriers by addressing the tax issues
faced by low-income taxpayers, non-native English speakers, and other
underserved communities.
The conference will bring together representatives of a
variety of tax institutions and community-based groups to present solutions,
receive feedback, share resources, and launch a continuing conversation. The
conference is especially aimed at law students, tax professionals, accountants,
and anyone looking to volunteer in a space where representation can make a big
difference.
1:30 PM Keynote Address:
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
2:00 PM Creating Better Access to Tax Justice
This presentation will feature representatives of the
main institutions tasked with implementing and resolving disputes with
Minnesota’s taxation system.
Minnesota Tax Court (featuring Wendy S.
Tien, Chief Judge; and Nate Freeman, law clerk)
Minnesota Department of
Revenue (featuring Sarah Bronson, assistant commissioner; and Jake Feneis,
supervisor of the Income Tax and Withholding Division)
3:00 PM Break
Coffee and light snacks will be provided for in-person
participants.
3:15 PM Working Groups and Breakout Rooms
Participants will react to and evaluate the earlier presentations by the
AG’s office, tax court, and DOR. They will also be asked to suggest additional
areas of concern and possible solutions; identify non-institutional sources of
obstacles (such as exorbitant tax preparation fees, confusing credits and
deductions, etc.); and develop questions for the upcoming panel discussion.
3:45 PM Panel Discussion: Resources for Tax
Justice
The panel discussion will feature several stakeholders and members of
community organizations. The panelists will explain what resources their
organizations provide, where additional support is needed, and how to get
involved.
Wendy Rozinka, IRS Local Taxpayer Advocate
Alexander
Korzhen, Past Tax Section Chair
Alejandro Valenzuela Jr., Prepare +
Prosper
Aisha Servaty, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Moderator: Kathleen
Pfutzenreuter, MSBA Tax Law Section Chair
4:45 Closing
Remarks
There will be an informal happy hour after the event,
location TBD.
COVID-19
Response:
Vaccination and masks are required
for in-person attendees.
Cost:
Free for all to
attend.
CLE
Credit:
2.0 Elimination of Bias and 1.0 Standard CLE Credits Approved | Event
Code: 418639
Remote Participation: Remote
instructions will be emailed to you the day prior to the event.
Cancellations: Need to cancel? Please see our cancellation
policy.
Accommodations: The MSBA is committed to creating an
inclusive environment in which all members can participate fully. If you need
reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please notify the
program manager. Please provide notification at least 72 hours prior to the
meeting to allow sufficient time to make arrangements for accommodations. Thank
you.
Program Manager:
Kayla Erbach
kerbach@mnbars.org
612-278-6325