It’s tax time again.

April 15 seems so far away but it will be here before you know it. Are you ready? Do you have questions and need help? Do you like things for free?

If so then come see a representative with the Uvalde Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Coalition.

The VITA program is an annual program that provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families whose income is below $42,000. Trained tax preparers work with taxpayers to review all of the tax credits that they may be eligible for and file the tax return electronically with the IRS.

“Our sites offer individuals the opportunity to take advantage of the e-file program which files the returns electronically and helps them receive their refunds usually in half the time compared to returns filed on paper,” stated Uvalde VITA Coalition Chairman Barry Zimmerman. “If you have your refund done through direct deposit to your bank account you can usually receive the refund in about 7-10 business days. This can be a big plus for those needing their refund as soon as possible and best of all it is free.”

The VITA Program will begin the 2009 tax filing season on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to assist local citizens who qualify with free income tax filing for their Federal Income Taxes. The VITA program, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, trains volunteers who donate their time to prepare basic income tax returns for those who qualify.

The Uvalde VITA Coalition consists of representatives from these agencies and businesses in partnership with the IRS: Middle Rio Grande Development Council, FUTURO Communities Inc., Community Council of Southwest Texas, El Progreso Memorial Library, Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce, Uvalde CISD and the City of Uvalde.

“We will be offering the tax assistance at three locations this year along with a few one day sessions in the area. The main sites are the Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande Workforce Center, El Progreso Memorial Library and Southwest Texas Junior College with a variety of hours to fit any schedule, says Zimmerman. “We are in the process of finalizing our site hours based on our volunteer’s schedules. Our program relies on volunteers who give of their time to help area citizens with their taxes.”

Volunteer opportunities are available if anyone is interested in helping with the VITA program this year. Zimmerman may be contacted at (830) 278-4491.

 

Persons needing tax assistance are asked to bring with them to the VITA Site:

1. Forms W-2 and/or 1099 from every place they worked or received income in 2008;

2. Social Security cards for themselves, (wife or husband) and all dependents, including adult dependents;

3. Any other information needed to complete their return (such as statements related to child care); and,

4. If available, a copy of their 2007 tax return.

 

“The goal of our local VITA Coalition is to provide a valuable service to area citizens by assisting in filing their tax returns and helping them get as much back on their return as possible. Many residents in our region qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit but do not file for it on their returns and lose out on money available to them” states Zimmerman. “The VITA Program helps citizens bring home more money through their tax refund and in turn helps our local economy. Our region has left a great deal of tax credit money with the IRS because people did not know they were eligible for the credits and our program hopes to boost the region’s economy by making sure the residents who qualify for these credits file their taxes properly and receive these refunds.

“We ask area businesses to let their employees know about the VITA program and the EITC as this can only help their employees and their families. If you would like information on the program or would like to distribute VITA information to employees please feel free to contact us for assistance.

“We can be reached at the Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande Uvalde Workforce Center at 278-4491. This is a small and easy way to boost economic development in the area by increasing the buying power of local citizens who will most likely spend the money here in Uvalde,” says Zimmerman.

He encourages any interested taxpayer to let VITA help save money and get the most of their return by coming to one of many VITA sites for this free service.