Free Tax Filing Assistance: Make Sure Families in Your Community Know Where to Go!

Last month, families received the tax documents they need to prepare their 2011 tax returns and claim valuable tax benefits for which they may be eligible. Now is the perfect time to let families know about free tax preparation services that may be available in their community.

There are three options families should be aware of: VITA and Tax-Aide sites, “facilitated self-assistance sites” (new this year), and the Free File Alliance.

VITA and Tax-Aide: The IRS sponsors the VITA program, which offers free tax help for families earning around $49,000 or less, and, in partnership with AARP, the Tax-Aide program, which assists elderly tax filers in communities around the country. In addition, the military coordinates VITA services. Many VITA or Tax Aide sites offer e-filing, which allows families to receive their refunds even faster.

• Most free tax preparation sites are open and running right now. To locate a VITA or Tax-Aide site in your area, call (800) 906-9887. You can also click here for a list of VITA sites or Tax-Aide sites.
• Many sites are appointment-only or have specified drop-in hours, so check with each one for their schedules.
• Families need to bring specific information and documents to VITA or TCE/Tax-Aide sites, so check out the IRS’ list here.
• Beware of scams!!!! Remind families not to give out Social Security Numbers or bank information over the phone, or to individuals who come to their homes claiming to be IRS representatives, or in response to emails. There are a lot of scammers out there around tax time!

Facilitated Self-Assistance. For people with simple tax returns but no computer access, the IRS is launching a number of sites where people can fill out their tax returns with guidance from an IRS volunteer. For more information, and a list of locations, visit the IRS’ website.

Free File Alliance. In addition to VITA, Tax-Aide, and facilitated self-assistance sites, the IRS can connect low- and moderate-income families with resources to file their taxes online at no cost. Information about the Free File Alliance is available on the IRS’ website.

And for families who exceed the VITA or Free File programs’ income limit, or who for other reasons want to use a private tax preparer, the IRS has information about how to choose a reputable tax professional on its website.

As always, we encourage you to make full use of NWLC’s tax credits outreach materials, including state and federal fliers, an outreach tip sheet and a sample newsletter article.

Thanks again for helping to make sure that families in your community get the credits they deserve during tax filing season.