If you earned less than $54,000 last year, you can have your income tax returns prepared for free through the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Certified volunteers will provide free tax assistance to low to moderate income taxpayers who require assistance with completing their tax returns.
Trained community volunteers can assist with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, Tzu Chi Foundation also offers free electronic filing (e-filing), which allows taxpayers to receive their refunds in half the time when compared to returns filed on paper. The process is sped up even further with the option to directly deposit the refunds into a bank account.
Taxpayers must meet the following qualifications for free tax preparation:
- – A total household income of less than $54,000
- – Less than 5 stock transactions in 2017
- – No rental income
- – No 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien)
- – No 1099-MISC expense claims
- – No married individuals filing separately
Be sure to bring the following documents:
- – Photo ID for you, spouse and/or dependent
- – Social Security card or ITIN card
- – All forms for W-2, 1099, and other income
- – Documentation for all deductions, such as 1098T (Tuition Statement) and expense, 1098 (Mortgage Interest), childcare expenses, and provider’s Tax ID number
- – Previous year’s tax return
- – Copy of voided check
- – Health insurance card and/or 1095 form
