If you or your family made $54,000 or less during the year 2016, you qualify for free tax preparation assistance through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or AARP. I have used this service before and it’s wonderful. The volunteers are trained, and they will e-file your return for you. You are also provided with a paper copy of your tax return for your own records.
For more information on the program, and to find a location near you, click here.
You can also download the IRS mobile app for Apple or Android where you can locate a tax preparation site nearby and check on your refund status.
Please keep in mind you may need to schedule an appointment to have your taxes prepared, as well as bring proper ID, along with a copy of your prior year’s taxes along with pertinent tax forms.
Save yourself potentially hundreds of dollars instead of purchasing tax preparation software, visiting local tax preparation offices or purchasing tax filing online. Unless your taxes are overly complicated, or if you itemize or have a small business, you should be able to utilize the services through VITA or AARP. Here’s to saving money in 2017!