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Free Tax Preparation


Free tax preparation for the 2011 tax year is underway.  The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low - and moderate-income Tax Prep (generally, $50,000 and below) people who need someone to prepare their taxes. VITA also provides financial counseling to help you put your tax return to good use.

Certified volunteers will prepare your taxes at no charge and most locations also offer free electronic filing. Many filers find that they are eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides even more money in your tax return.


What you don't know can cost you!

An important tip to know if you use a paid tax preparer is to avoid "rapid refund loans". Rapid refund loans have very high interest rates and you can end up paying a lot of money for very little benefit.

When your income tax return is electronically filed and directly deposited into a checking or savings account, you receive your refund in 7 - 10 days. So, why pay someone hundreds of dollars to give you your own money just a few days earlier?


What do I need for free tax help?

VITA sites open in mid-January and closed on April 15 at locations throughout Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.

Until tax time, below are some important pointers on what to be prepared to bring when having your taxes prepared:

  • Proof of identification
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • 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
  • Total paid for daycare provider and daycare provider's tax identifying number
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
2012 Tax Preparation Sites

For more information, call Trident Urban League at 965-4037

To volunteer to help others prepare their taxes, click here.