The United Way of Madison County, Community Access Network (CAN) partners and the Alberta Bowman Center VITA volunteers have joined together to conduct VITA Super Saturdays every Saturday in February. VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - provides free tax preparation for low-income families. Individuals must schedule an appointment with United Way Volunteer Coordinator David Tabb by calling 643-7493
VITA Super Saturdays are scheduled for February 7 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; February 14 at the Wigwam in Anderson from 8 a.m. to noon; February 21 at the Wigwam from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and or February 28 at Alexandria Community Center from 8 a.m. to noon.
"Every year we see a continuous trend for low-income families to rush to rapid refund agencies to get their taxes filed. What many fail to realize is there are fees associated when filing with these types of agencies," stated Tabb. United Way's effort expands the existing services offered at First United Methodist Church's Alberta Bowman Center and by Anderson University accounting students.
VITA allows low-income families to have their taxes filed for free. VITA targets individuals with incomes of $15,000 or less in 2008 and no dependents, or incomes of $40,000 or less in 2008 with qualifying dependents. Taxes will be electronically filed and individuals that have an existing checking or savings account may directly deposit their refunds. Old National Bank will be onsite Feb. 14th and 21st to set-up accounts for those in need of an account.
Participants must bring:
· All forms, W-2's and 1099's;
· other income information for all deductions and credits;
· a copy of last year's tax return/interest received;
· amount of real estate tax paid in 2008;
· amount of stimulus payment received last year (this is not taxable).
Individuals may find the amount of their stimulus payment by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting- www.irs.gov;
· social Security cards for self, dependents, and spouse if applicable;
· filing status and number of exemptions and
· proof of bank account for direct deposit of refund (a voided check or deposit slip).
