Volunteers Assist Lower-Income Residents in Preparing Taxes

Eligibility Guidelines and What You Need to Bring

Jackson, WY- Lower-income residents can seek assistance filing tax forms beginning Wednesday, February 6 from a collaborative program offered by the Latino Resource Center, Internal Revenue Service and Teton County Library.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free federal income tax preparation service offered in both English and Spanish. This collaborative program, now in its fifth year, helps taxpayers find out if they’re eligible for tax credits and saved 421 taxpayers a total of $364,744 last year.

The national program gets underway in Jackson beginning Wednesday, February 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane. Tax preparation will be available weekly at the same time every Wednesday night through April 9. Appointments are not taken. Volunteers will serve people on a first come, first serve basis.

“This national program benefits both lower income taxpayers and the IRS by encouraging accurate and timely filing,” said Dimmie Zeigler, Education and Program Manager.

VITA relies upon volunteer tax preparers to assist Teton County households that meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Last year, volunteers donated hundreds of hours to help lower-income residents file their taxes, resulting in an average refund of $1,098 per taxpayer. The service is open to any taxpayer who meets the income eligibility requirements. Generally, eligibility guidelines are: Size of Family 1 - $25,000; 2 - $35,000; 3 - $40,000; 4 - $46,000; 5 - $53,000.

The program is designed to prepare taxes using federal 1040 tax forms with simple deductions. Information sheets in English and Spanish with frequently asked questions about the program are available at the library’s Computer & Information Center, the Latino Resource Center and online at www.TCLib.org.

Potential participants are required to bring all W-2 and/or 1099 forms, a copy of last year’s tax return and Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members over the age of one year. Taxpayers, who need a tax identification number, can receive assistance in filling out the necessary forms on Wednesdays as well.

In addition, participants will be asked for the correct birth dates for all individuals listed on the return; a government-issued photo ID (i.e. an original or copy of the tax filer’s valid Driver’s License or Identification card); and, if applicable, a copy of notice verifying receipt of Advanced Child Tax Credit Refund. When filing jointly, both spouses must be present.

The VITA program is made possible through the participation of the IRS, Latino Resource Center, Teton County Library and through the general support of the Teton County Library Foundation. Interested participants can pick up an information sheet at the library or Latino Resource Center; call the library at 733-2164 ext. 106 or call the Latino Resource Center at 734-0333; or go online to www.TCLib.org. Tax forms, in general, are available for taxpayers at the library, as well.

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