FREE Tax Preparation for Low-Income Individuals and Families in Northern Virginia

It’s that time of year again: tax season. Many families will struggle to pay for tax preparation following the devastating financial effects of 2009. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free income tax preparation program for low-income, elderly, disabled and limited English speaking people. In 2009, the program provided over $4 million in federal and state refunds and served over 3,000 Northern Virginia residents.

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is coordinating the volunteer-run effort and providing tax preparation assistance for individuals and families who earned less than $49,000 in 2009. The program runs from January 23 through April 15, 2010 and is available at 18 Northern Virginia locations.

People seeking tax preparation assistance will need to provide:
• Photo ID
• Social Security cards and birthdates for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents.
• If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must be present.
• Wage and earnings statements: W-2, W-2G, and all Form 1099's received.
• Unemployment compensation, Form 1099G.
• Interest and dividend statements.
• Day care expenses paid in 2009 and the day care provider’s name, address and federal ID number.
• Student loan interest payments.
• Record tuition or student loan payments, 1098-E.
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
• Record of any Sales Tax paid on new vehicles purchased in 2009.
• Record of any Real Estate Taxes paid in 2009.
• Record of any Economic Recovery Payment received from SSA, RRB or Veterans Administration.

For more information on VITA and other tax assistance programs, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

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CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies every day by providing those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide with support, information, and links to community resources. http://www.crisislink.org.