This year’s income tax filing deadline is April 15th. I want to let you know that there are a number of resources available to help you as you prepare your tax return. These free resources will not only save you time, but could also save you money.
A good starting point is the main website of the Internal Revenue Service: irs.gov
. The free tax assistance programs include:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program generally offers free, in-person tax help to people who make $53,000 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 the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. Click hereto find a VITA site near you.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for taxpayers who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Click here to find a TCE site near you.
IRS Free File
Any taxpayer with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less can easily prepare and e-file their federal returns at no cost by using the IRS Free File program. To take advantage of the Free File program, visit www.IRS.gov/freefile
Earned-Income Tax Credit
The Earned-Income Tax Credit (EITC) puts money back in the pocketbooks of hard-working, low-income families, helping them close the gap between what they earn and what they need to make ends meet. But every year, eligible Connecticut families lose out on thousands of dollars because they do not claim it when they file their tax returns.
To receive the EITC, individuals must be working and must file a tax form with the IRS. Parents with dependent children receive even more money. Income ceilings are set for married couples, single parents and individuals. The amount of the EITC varies depending on the number of children in a family and the annual income. For example, a married couple with two children and an annual household income of $25,000 might receive up to $5,088 from the EITC.
to find out if you are eligible to claim the EITC.
American Opportunity Tax Credit
The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides as much as $2,500 per student for higher-education expenses. The credit can be claimed for four years. The income limits for 2015 are $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples filing a joint return. Click here
for more information.
If you have specific questions, the IRS provides an online tool to help you find answers
. You may also call the IRS for help
or go to a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. The IRS operates two Taxpayer Assistance Centers in the Fourth District; they are in Norwalk and Bridgeport. Additionally, there are centers in Danbury and Waterbury. The addresses, hours and services offered are available here
.
You can also find a wide variety of informational videos for individuals, businesses, non-profits and more at tax.gov
.
I hope you find these resources helpful and informative as you complete your tax return. If you have questions about his or any other matter, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 866-453-0028 or by writing me here
.