Free Tax Preparation for Low-income Families
Each year when tax time comes around, many people take their tax documents to a preparation agency to ensure their taxes are completed correctly. For low-income families, tax preparation agencies are too expensive. Many communities provide free tax preparation by volunteers for families who meet certain requirements. The Internal Revenue Service has also set up a network of volunteers to help low-income families complete their taxes on time and correctly.
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Where to Get Free Assistance
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You can locate tax assistance over the phone by calling the IRS' volunteer income tax assistance program. You may also locate tax assistance through a variety of local assistance programs such as the Department of Aging. Your local library may also have a list of volunteers that will set up at the library during the tax season to help those with lower incomes complete their taxes. Whichever free tax service you choose to use, ensure you make an appointment so you do not end up waiting in line for a long period of time to complete your taxes.
Who Qualifies for Tax Assistance
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Taxpayers who have made less than $49,500 for the year qualify for free tax assistance through the IRS' volunteer income tax assistance program. Other programs have varying rules for whom they will assist, such as residency requirements, although the majority set their income limit in line with the IRS' program. Elderly and disabled taxpayers normally qualify for free tax assistance no matter the amount of money earned throughout the year. Ask the coordinator of the program you plan on using what the qualification requirements are before your appointment. Have any documents, such as assistance letters, that will help with determining your qualifications when you get to the appointment.
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When Can You Get Free Tax Assistance
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Most volunteer income tax assistance programs offer help throughout the tax season beginning in February and ending on April 14. The times each program is available to help qualified taxpayers will vary by program. Be mindful of the programs' advertised hours so you can schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. You can expect to spend at least one hour at your appointment going through the tax documentation and completing your filing.
What You Need for Assistance
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To get tax assistance, you must furnish certain documents and identification. The most obvious forms include your current tax statements from your place of employment, bank or student loan programs. You also will need proof of any child care you paid for throughout the year, proof of any charitable donations you made and your children's Social Security numbers. The volunteer tax assistance program also will ask for proof of your identity and your Social Security card. Taxpayers filing jointly will need to provide proof of identity and Social Security numbers for both spouses.
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