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Free tax returns and preparation from the VITA Program

The federal government provides free tax preparation and returns for low to moderate income families. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax help, advice, and preparation services to families and individuals who earn less than around $50,000 per year. Well trained professionals, and other certified volunteers have received extensive training to help people prepare basic state and federal income tax returns, for free, in local communities across the country.

This year, almost 15,000 free tax preparation sites will be open across the country as the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service continue to expand this assistance program. The government has partnered with numerous chanties, local nonprofit and community organizations. All of these groups have combined together and will be providing critical tax preparation services for low to moderate income as well as elderly taxpayers. They will even offer free efiling to those who need their returns sooner rather than later.

There are some conditions and criteria. Taxpayers need to come prepared, and they will bring to the VITA sites the following items and documentation.

• A valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, any dependents, their spouse, and anyone else who needs a return
• Photo identification
• Come with birth dates for all parties, including the primary, secondary and dependents who will be on the tax return
• All of their wage and earning statement(s), such as Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
• Current year's tax package and details on their income and expenses
• Data on all forms of income, including interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year's state and federal returns, showing your income, if available
• Total amount paid for day care over the year, if applicable
• Their day care provider's identifying number
• Bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit of their refund
• Any other relevant information about income and their expenses
• If they want to file their taxes electronically for free, both spouses need to be present to sign the required tax forms

Tax credit information

The programs are extensive, and they can guide filers through the various federal and state government credits and programs. For example, well trained community volunteers and other tax professionals can help eligible taxpayers, for free, with all special credits, such as the Child Tax Credit, EITC, or the Credit for the Elderly. In addition, many of the sites and locations have language specialists to assist people with limited English skills, so people of all backgrounds can receive help. Often times the tax professional can even provide some guidance on how to get help with other taxes, such as property taxes.

Free Electronic Filing

Another service provided by the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is free efiling. So in addition to the free income tax return preparation assistance that is offered, the vast majority of sites also use free electronic filing. This is a tremendous benefit to low income families, as those individuals who take advantage of the federal government e-file program will receive their tax refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper. Those taxpayers who use both direct deposit and e-file can receive their tax refund in as few as 10 days. Having the cash in 10 days can help people pay bills, rent, their mortgage, or even just save the money.

How do I find a free tax preparation site

While the VITA locations are usually located at community and neighborhood centers, such as schools, your local library, shopping malls, county offices, and other convenient locations, your best path is to visit the irs.gov site and search for the VITA program. Or what is probably even easier is to contact your local community action agency. Click here to find locations. The community action agency can direct you to free tax preparation locations and specialists near you, and other benefit is they can direct you to other assistance programs.