|
By now you should have received all the W2s
and other information you need to prepare your tax returns. If you can
prepare your returns, great. But let's look at two ways to have
someone else prepare your returns. Let's assume you have
overpaid your taxes or have credits like the Earned Income Tax
Credit due you and you should get $800 back.
| |
Commercial
tax service |
VITA |
| Your refund |
$800 |
$800 |
| Preparation fees |
$160 -
$240 |
0 |
| Net |
$640 -
$560 |
$800 |
(A commercial service might
also offer you a Refund Anticipation Loan. Fees and interest on
such loans are about ten percent. You'll be happy to get
your money a few weeks earlier. The tax service will be even
happier to be
earning interest at the rate of
100+ percent per year.)
more
What is VITA
|
VITA stands for
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.
The VITA Program generally offers free tax help to
people who make $52,000 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. |
Where are these free programs available?
For a list of sites offering help (you can make
an online appointment)
click here.
For the easiest way to schedule an appointment,
call 2-1-1
That's United Way's community help line.
Where is the closest place offering help?
The Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation
11802 Buckeye Avenue.
www.BuckeyeShaker.org
To schedule your appointment, call 216-491-8450.
Or email Ms Rose Brown ( roseb AT badoc.org ).
Learn more
Thanks to Policy Matters Ohio (website)
whose email this morning included a message about this. Arnie Berger, webkeeper
2/11/14 |
