Free Federal and State Income Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
(La Isla Magazine, April 2018) ~ HHI, SC. The IRS, in collaboration with United Way of the Lowcountry, the Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and other partner organizations, once again will provide free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, differently abled persons, people 60 and older, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation and electronic filing to qualified individuals.
The Lowcountry Area VITA Coalition will be offering services through April 18, 2018. Services will be conveniently accessible to potential clients at multiple locations across Beaufort and Jasper counties. The specific days and times are listed below. The documentation that taxpayers must bring with them is also featured below.
Free online tax preparation is available on www.myfreetaxes.com Should taxpayers desire assistance preparing their own tax returns, they are invited to attend a Lunch and Learn on March 21 from 12:30-1:30pm at Bluffton Self Help’s Education and Resource Center (39 Sheridan Park Cir, Bluffton, SC 29910). Lunch will be generously provided by First Citizens Bank.
The VITA program is always seeking volunteers. The primary roles are Tax Preparer and Greeter. The IRS provides thorough training for all volunteers. The commitment is as few as three hours or as many as 20 hours or more per week. One-on-one mentoring is also available. To volunteer or obtain more information, visit www.vitalowcountry.org or contact Program Coordinator Danielle Breidung at lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com / 843-321-9071.
|
Where |
Day of the Week |
Time of Day |
|
Bluffton Library 120 Palmetto Way Bluffton, SC 29910 |
Monday |
11AM-6PM |
|
Beaufort Library 311 Scott Street Beaufort, SC 29902 |
Monday |
11AM-6PM |
|
St. Helena Library 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road St. Helena Island, SC 29920 |
Tuesday |
11AM-6PM |
|
Hardeeville Library 30 Main Street Hardeeville, SC 29927 |
Wednesday |
2PM-6PM |
|
Beaufort Library |
Thursday |
12:30PM-5PM |
|
Deep Well Project 80 Capital Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 |
Thursday |
5:30PM-8PM |
|
Lobeco Library 1862 Trask Parkway Seabrook, SC 29940 |
Saturday |
11AM-3PM |
|
Bluffton Library (appointment only) |
Saturday |
12PM-4PM |
What to Bring to Local VITA Sites*:
- Proof of identification (photo ID)
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099)
- All forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements
- Health Insurance Exemption Certification, if received
- A copy of last year’s federal and state 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 paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
- Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
*https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Checklist-for-Free-Tax-Return-Preparation
