Free Tax Preparation Services Are Available Nationwide

If you earn under $49,000 annually or if you are 60income tax return.
years of age or older, you can have your income taxThe volunteers at these sites are well versed in any
return prepared and filed electronically, free of charge.tax credits or deductions that you may have coming,
The Internal Revenue Service continues its efforts thislike the Child Tax Credit, EITC, and Credit for the
year with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax assistanceElderly. Many of the sites also have translators
program (VITA), and Tax Counseling for the Elderlyavailable to help taxpayers with limited English
(TCE).language skills.
You will need to bring several items with you to haveIf you wind up owing the IRS, you have the option to
your taxes prepared through the VITA and TCEfile now and pay later through many means. You can
programs. First, you will need photo identification andauthorize an electronic funds withdrawal from your
valid social security cards for the taxpayer, his or herchecking or savings account on April 15, pay by credit
spouse, and dependents. You will also need this year'scard, money order, or check on April 15 by filling out
tax package, along with birth dates for the taxpayer,IRS form 1040V, Tax Voucher.
his or her secondary, and any dependents. You mustAs part of the TCE program, a Tax-Aide counseling
also supply W-2, W-2G, or 1099R earning statementsprogram is available at some 7,000 sites throughout
from all of your employers. Be sure to bring copies ofthe United States.
last year's federal and state income tax returns, alongIf you earn less than $57,000 annually, you can file your
with interest and dividend statements. If you haveown income tax return through IRS Free File. IRS Free
children who attend day care, bring a total of thoseFile allows you to use the easy interview-style IRS tax
costs and the day care provider's identifying number.preparation software, free of charge. If you earn
Also, have your bank account and routing numbers atabove $57,000, you will need to use Free File Fillable
hand, for direct deposit of any refund.forms as opposed to IRS Free File. Both programs are
Couples who are married and filing jointly will need toaccessible through irs.gov/freefile.
have both spouses present in order to sign their