Free Tax Preparation Program Available at Henry F. Schricker Library

February 5, 2016AuthorMichael Gallenberger, WKVI 

 

Starke County residents may be able to get some free help preparing this year’s income taxes. The Henry F. Schricker Public Library in Knox is hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Certified volunteers will prepare and e-file federal and state tax returns for qualified residents. These include people making $54,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly, and those speaking limited amounts of English.

Appointments are available every Wednesday from noon until 7:00 p.m. between now and April 6. You can also schedule appointments on some Saturdays, including tomorrow, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The program is funded locally by a grant from the Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency and the Internal Revenue Service.

To schedule an appointment, call the library’s Reference Department at 574-772-7323 ext. 1005. Click here for more information on the VITA program and a list of what to bring to your appointment.

VITA - Free Assistance To Taxpayers

The VITA Program generally offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities. They can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.

To have your tax return(s) prepared at a VITA or TCE site you need to bring the following information with you:

• Proof of identification – Picture ID
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
• Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number) if appropriate
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number. The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security card. If you do not have an SSN for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

For an appointment with a local volunteer contact: 

Starke County Public Library 

 Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly:  If you only need to file the Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly form, but do not need to file Federal or State income taxes, you do not need an appointment for assistance.  One of our Reference Department staff members will be happy to help you at any time.

 Call 574-772-7323 with any questions, or ask for the Reference Department to schedule an appointment.

Dates and Times when free tax preparation will be offered:

Saturday                   February 2               10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Thursday                  February 7               10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   February 9               10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   February 23             10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   March 2                    10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Friday                        March 22                  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday                   March 23                  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Wednesday              April 3                      10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   April 6                       10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday                   April 13                     10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pulaski County Community Services @ 574-946-6500

Volunteers will be available

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY