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The IRS
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax
Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who
qualify. IRS-certified volunteers 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 volunteers can help
with special credits, such as the
Earned Income Tax Credit and Credit
for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return assistance, most
sites offer free electronic filing. Individuals taking advantage of the e-file
program receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on
paper — even faster, when tax refunds are deposited directly into a bank
account.
What records should you
bring to the VITA site?
To make your visit to a VITA site quick and easy, ensure you bring all the
records and documents that apply to you, your spouse (if filing jointly), and
all dependents you're claiming on your federal tax return. Also bring any
additional information that you think may be tax-related, even if it doesn't
appear on this checklist below.
·
Proof of
identification
·
Social
Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security
Administration
·
Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
·
Proof of foreign
status, if applying for an ITIN
·
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 (Form/s 1099)
·
A copy of last
year’s federal and state returns if available
·
Bank routing
numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
·
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)
·
To file taxes
electronically on a married-filing-jointly tax return, both spouses must be
present to sign the required forms.
To locate a VITA site near
you, call 1-800-906-9887 or click on the
Contact IRS tab on the IRS.gov homepage. Services vary at each site.
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