Walk-In Free Tax Preparation Day Set for Thursday, March 22

unitedway_portercountyA walk-in day for free tax preparation under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 9 am to 3 pm at the United Way of Porter County, 951 Eastport Centre Dr.in Valparaiso.

Taxpayers must have an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less to qualify for free income tax preparation assistance, prepared by IRS certified volunteers. “We usually require an appointment to schedule tax preparation,” said George Kuebler VITA Site Coordinator. “However, we are making this day available as a convenience and will do tax preparations on a first-come-first served basis.”

Do note that Social Security cards are required for all those being claimed on the return. “Some people in the past have mistaken the Medicare card as a substitute,” Kuebler added,“we cannot accept the Medicare card as a substitute.”

Among the items needed for the tax preparation are:

  • Proof of identification
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
  • Proof of bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
  • Record of rent payment, landlord’s name and address/mortgage company statements
  • Proof of real estate tax paid for 2011