Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services? In addition to tax preparation, many also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to people whose incomes are $36,000 or less. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to 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.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at approximately 9,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors can help people of low-to-moderate income with special attention to those aged 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888 AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit AARP's Web site.
Airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, guardsmen and their families worldwide also get free Tax Help Archives. Military men and women offer tax advice, tax preparation and assistance through the Military VITA Program. They are trained and equipped to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.
Taxpayers wanting to take advantage of these free programs should bring the following to the volunteer site:
- Photo Identification
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Current year's tax package if you received one
- 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
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit
- Other relevant information about income and expenses
- Total amount paid for day care
- Day Care providers’ Identifying Number
It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security number. In addition, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms when they wish to electronically file a return using the filing status of Married Filing Jointly.
Filing your taxes can be easy and free. Take advantage of a volunteer assistance program in your area to receive free income tax preparation assistance. In the Keyword search on the IRS.gov home page, type in the Keyword, Community Network, to learn about these programs and more. To get the location, dates and hours of the volunteer site closest to you, call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.
