Tax season is here, and instead of spending your hard-earned dollars on a paid tax preparer, take a moment to read some helpful hints that will maximize your return - for free.
1. Do I qualify for free tax help?
Did you earn less than $63,398 last year? Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers who provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. If you earned more than $63,398 you may qualify to file your taxes online.
2. What is the The Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces taxes owed for qualified tax payers and may result an in increased refund. If you qualify and claim the credit, it could be as much as $7,430 from the IRS. Don’t be the one in five that misses this credit. Use the EITC Assistant to see if you qualify or stop by a VITA site near you.
3. Where do I go?
Check out our website for locations throughout the seven-parish area. We make it easy for you with traditional, virtual and drop-off sites. Learn more here. Tax payers can file for free on our online platform. Get started here.
4. What do I need to know before I go?
Bring these forms with you to file quickly and easily.
· Photo ID (taxpayer and spouse if married and filing jointly)
· Social Security Cards (you, your spouse, and dependents)
· Birth Dates (you, your spouse, and dependents)
· Wage & Earning Forms (all W-2, W-2G, and 1099-R Forms)
· Interest & Dividend Forms (Forms 1099)
· Total Paid for Child Care (must provide name, address, and tax ID)
· Bank Routing and Account Numbers (for direct deposit of refund; voided check will suffice)
· Spouse (if married and filing a joint tax return, your spouse must be present)
· Form 1095A from the Marketplace
· Identity Protection Theft PIN Number (IP PIN assigned by IRS)
· Unemployment Compensation (1099G)
Last year, our VITA program returned $9,140,810 dollars to the community, helping hardworking families keep more of their money in their pockets. Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/VITA to learn more about requirements and eligibility, and don’t forget to share my helpful hints with your friends and loved ones.
The VITA program is brought to you by Entergy Corporation, the Asset Building Coalition, Capital One Bank, and United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
Happy Tax Season,
Helen Bougere
Program Specialist