INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The United Way of Indian River County is once again coordinating the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offering free help to people who make $52,000 or less and need assistance preparing their own tax returns.
Families with low to moderate income might miss out on substantial tax credits if they don’t have assistance filing their returns. All United Way VITA volunteers are IRS-trained and certified every year and provide free tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in Indian River County.
They ensure that taxpayers receive credits due to them such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or Disabled.
The United Way Center site, at 1836 14th Ave. in Vero Beach, cannot take appointments in February or April, but walk-ins will be welcome every Monday and Wednesday between 4 and 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays between 9 a.m. and Noon.
Appointments are necessary in March since demand is lower and preparers are scheduled as needed. Clients should bring their valid picture ID, social security card (or ITIN numbers) for everybody in the household, a copy of their 2012 tax return (if filed), W-2 Forms from all jobs worked in 2013, as well as any other relevant tax documentation.
Call 2-1-1 for additional VITA sites.
“March is a good time to come in. There seems to be kind of a rush in February and we expect there will be again in April,” explained Eve Balance, United Way Community Investment Coordinator.
This will be the fifth year United Way of Indian River County has provided free tax preparation through IRS-certified volunteers generously contributing their time and expertise to building a stronger community.
Last year 461 returns from Indian River County were filed through this program resulting in approximately $590,000 in refunds and $279,000 in earned income credits.
United Way of Indian River County is encouraging people in the community to LIVE UNITED by donating to the annual campaign, helping spread the word about programs and services that help people in need, and volunteering their time and talent to a local cause. For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED and help create a brighter future for those in need in our community, please call 772-567-8900 or visit our website www.unitedwayirc.org.