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IR-2018-85, April 5, 2018
WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers today that they may qualify for free tax help at over 11,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationwide. VITA sites are located at community and neighborhood centers and provide tax assistance to taxpayers whose incomes qualify for the program.
The VITA program offers free tax help to individuals who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those ages 60 and older. The IRS certified VITA and TCE volunteers are trained to help with many tax questions, including credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant tax credit for workers who earned $53,930 or less in 2017. Last year, almost 27 million eligible workers and families received over $65 billion in EITC, with an average EITC amount of $2,445. The maximum EITC amount for 2017 is $6,318 for qualifying families with three or more children. To receive the credit, eligible taxpayers must file a tax return, even if they do not have a filing requirement. The VITA and TCE programs can help answer many EITC questions and help taxpayers claim the credit if they qualify. Taxpayers may also use the IRS.gov EITC Assistant to help them determine their eligibility.
Before visiting a VITA or TCE site, taxpayers should review Publication 3676-BPDF to be aware of the services provided and what to bring to a site. To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, taxpayers can use the VITA and TCE locator tools available on IRS.gov, download the IRS mobile app IRS2Go or call 800-906-9887.
For assistance preparing a tax return at a VITA or TCE site, taxpayers must bring all required documents and information including:
Proof of identification (photo ID) for taxpayer and spouse
Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for those who do not have a Social Security number
Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
Birth dates for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers and other payers
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
Total amount paid for daycare services and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
In addition, the military and the IRS join together to provide free tax assistance to military personnel and their families. The Armed Forces Tax Council (AFTC) consists of tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The AFTC oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. Volunteers can also address military specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the impact of the EITC guidelines.
In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, each site will file returns electronically for free. Combining e-file with direct deposit is the fastest and most accurate way to file. The IRS issues nine out of 10 refunds in 21 days or less. Paper returns take longer to process. Taxpayers who chose to file electronically and owe can make a payment by the April 17, 2018, deadline using Direct Pay. This IRS free service allows taxpayers to make secure payments from a checking or savings account. It also allows the taxpayer to get an automatic extension of time to file when Direct Pay is used to make a payment.
Taxpayers that prefer to file their tax returns electronically have the option of using IRS Free File. IRS Free File offers brand-name tax software to taxpayers who earned $66,000 or less in 2017 to file their tax returns free. Taxpayers who earned more can use Free Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms. IRS Free File is only available through the IRS website by visiting IRS.gov/freefile.