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Free Tax Preparation

Free tax prep sites, dates and times.

The Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low - and moderate-income Tax Prep (generally, $48,000 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?


Where can I get my taxes prepared free?

The VITA sites open in mid-January and close on April 30. See site locations.

Until tax time, below are some important pointers on what to keep and record throughout the year and bring when having your taxes prepared:

  • Social Security Card for each family member you will claim
  • W-2 or 1099 form for each job you worked
  • End of year statements for other income you received in 2009 such as bank interest, social security, unemployment, etc.
  • End of year 401(k) statement
  • Child care provider name, address and tax ID number
  • Records of expenses for tax credits and deduction, like child care, education, medical costs, etc.
  • A copy of last year's tax return, if you have it

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

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