If your income last year was slashed by economic downturn
and unemployment, you may be able to get at least free tax return preparation
assistance from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Program.
Trained community volunteers may help with special credits, such as Earned
Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the
Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites
also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of
the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to
returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds are deposited
directly into one's bank account.
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to
moderate-income (generally, $50,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their
own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations
receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the
country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers,
libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most
locations also offer free electronic filing.
Form and Schedules
covered by VITA
A VITA site prepares the following forms:
- 1040EZ
- 1040A
with Schedules 1, 2, 3, and EIC
- 1040
with Schedules A, B, C-EZ, EIC, and R
- Form
1040V (Payment Voucher)
- Form
1040ES (Individual Estimated Tax Payment)
- Form
2441 (Child and Dependent Care Credit)
- Form
8863 (Educational Credits)
- Form
8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit)
- WI
Form 1, 1A and WI-Z
- WI
Homestead Credit (household income must be less than $24,680)
A VITA site will not prepare the following
forms and schedules:
- Schedule
C (Profit or Loss From a Business)
- Schedule
D (Complicated and Advanced D's)
- Schedule
E (Rental Income)
- Form
SS-5 (Request for a Social Security Number)
- Form
2106 (Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses)
- Form
3903 (Moving Expenses)
- Form
8606 (Nondeductible IRA)
- Form
8615 (Tax for Children Under 14 with Investment Income)
VITA sites do not prepare returns for married filing
separate individuals, taxpayers with international income or military status.
Documentation to
bring with you
When visiting VITA site, bring the following:
* Photo ID for Caller (and/or spouse, if filing jointly).
* If married filing jointly, both spouses must attend appointment.
* Social security cards for every member of the family (if a card is lost, the
taxpayer must contact the social security administration to replace card prior
to having taxes prepared).
* Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax
return.
* Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.
* Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
* A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if
available.
* A check from the taxpayer's checking account or a savings account number for
direct deposit (NOTE: The taxpayer can open a bank account or cash card at the
tax site for direct deposit if they do not have an existing account.)
* Interest statements from financial institutions (if applicable)
* Tuition and student loan information (if applicable)
* Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying
number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business
Employer Identification Number).
* Any other income information or IRS notices received
* Copy of last years tax return
Note: Some sites are by appointment only; some are walk in
only. Check with your local office before visiting.
Sources and Additional
Information:
