Tax Time

It’s December already and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to closing out 2020 and ushering in a new year. Hello 2021! Let’s hope that 2021 brings an end to COVID19 and restoration of peace, balance and prosperity for the United States as a country and for each of us, individually.

As we enter 2021, we enter tax season. If you plan to file income taxes for this year, you may want to start gathering the documents that you are going to need now. If you pay to file your taxes, you should know that there are agencies that provide the service for free. That’s right free 99. Who doesn’t want something for free? Why pay $100 or more to file your taxes when you can have them filed for free. Usually appointments are in-person but due to COVID19, appointments will more than likely be held virtually.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)is a program that offers free tax assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. VITA services are open to people who earned $56,000 or less per year. For a site near you, use the  VITA site locator . Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (WMCAA) are VITA sites and you can file for the previous 3 years as well.

AARPalso offers free tax services and you do not have to be a member to receive services. For a site near you, use the Tax-Aide Site Locator.

You may also complete your taxes online yourself for free.  United Way Worldwide’sMyFreeTaxes.com is the only free, national, online tax filing product offered by a nonprofit and is available to 100 million U.S. tax payers.

The IRS also has free online tools for those interested in preparing their taxes themselves. There are forms available for those who make less than $69,000 per year and for those who make more than $69,000. Make sure you are filling out the correct forms for your income range before submitting. You may access the IRS free services at IRS Free File site.

Call United Way at 2-1-1 if you need further assistance in locating a tax site near you.

There are some basic documents that you will need to file your taxes. This is not a complete list so please check with the agency (or agency website) that you schedule an appointment with for a detailed list.

You must have your ID/DL and Social Security card(for everybody you are filing on your taxes). If you don’t have the IDs and SS cards, even if you have everything else, the agency may not process your taxes. Other documents include:

  • Proof of all income including W2, Social Security, Child Support, Unemployment, DHS assistance
  • Gambling or Lottery Winnings (Form W-2G)
  • A copy of last year’s tax return, if available
  • December/January electric bill for Home Heating Credit
  • Proof of rent or mortgage with landlord’s name and address
  • Childcare expenses
  • Proof of Health Insurance for 2020/Affordable Care Act Statement
  • Summer/Winter Homeowner’s property tax bill and Taxable Value of home statement
  • Student Loan interest

NOTE: The fastest and safest way to receive your tax return is by direct deposit. If you choose to go this route please have a blank check available or the name of your bank/credit union, your account number and routing number.
Stay tuned…. Be safe…. and…Be empowered.                            

Bettie Cunningham, LBSW

Disabilities Advocate

Certified Financial Coach/Counselor