INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — United Way of Indian River County is once again coordinating the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering free help to people who earned $53,000 or less in 2014.
Families with low to moderate income may miss out on substantial tax credits if they do not have assistance filing their returns. All United Way VITA volunteers are IRS-trained and certified every year to 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 will accept walk-ins in February and April on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Appointments are necessary in March since demand is lower and preparers are scheduled as needed.
A United Way/VITA satellite site will be set up at Fellsmere Community Enrichment Program, (FCEP), in Fellsmere, 10074 Esperanza Circle beginning Feb. 7 on Saturdays 12 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m. Clients should bring their valid picture ID, social security card (or ITIN numbers) for everybody in the household, a copy of their 2013 tax return (if filed), W-2 Forms from all jobs worked in 2014, as well as any other relevant tax documentation.
“March is a good time to come in. There is usually a rush in February and again in April,” said Eve Ballance, United Way Coordinator of Impact Initiatives. This will be the sixth 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 462 returns from Indian River County were filed through this program, resulting in approximately $628,000 in refunds and $302,000 in tax credits and it is estimated that about $80,000 was saved in filing fees.
Call 2-1-1 for additional VITA sites.
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 to live united and help create a brighter future for those in need in the community, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website at www.unitedwayirc.org.
