The Community Action Board (CAB) and Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD) wants to make life a little easier for workers by alerting them about a special tax credit that can put thousands of dollars back into their pockets.
As we gear up for the tax season, CSWD is in need of volunteer tax preparers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. As part of the program, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will be offered to all eligible residents.
“EITC is a tax benefit for working people and their families and it allows more dollars to flow into our community. It’s money workers can use for groceries, rent, utilities and other bills, said Enrique Arreola, deputy director. “We want workers who may qualify for EITC to have all the information they need to get the EITC and get it right.”
CSWD has been the provider for VITA Program, providing free tax return preparation to low/moderate-income residents since 2011. Volunteers are needed to continue to provide this service to San Benito County residents. San Benito County Basic Tax Law Training Class Schedule dates are (trainees must attend all training dates):
Nov. 7, 14, 28 and Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Training Location: 1111 San Felipe Road, Suite 108, Hollister., CA.
If you would like to become a certified tax preparer of the VITA team and receive FREE training, sign up today at: http://vita.brownpapertickets.com.
Hollister VITA tax preparation begins February 2016.
Join the millions who received the EITC. Last year, the credit returned more than $65 billion to more than 27 million workers. VITA tax preparers processed 222 tax returns and local residents received $107,350 in EITC and a total of $262,845 total tax dollars. The amount of EITC varies by income, family size and your filing status. It can mean up to $496 in EITC for people without a qualifying child, and up to $6,143 for those with three or more qualifying children. The average EITC amount last year was $2,400.
If you qualify for EITC, you must file a tax return, even if you have no tax to pay, to claim the credit.
With the exception of some who receive certain disability income, you must work for someone or run your own business or farm to qualify for EITC. Workers who made less than $53,000 should see if they qualify for EITC.
If you make less than $53,000, you can get free tax help and return preparation through volunteer sites. IRS-certified tax preparer volunteers ask the needed questions to find out if you qualify for the EITC and other refundable credits. They also prepare and e-file (file electronically) your return at no cost to you.
To schedule your tax appointment or for more information call Trino at (831) 637-9293 or email: vita.hollister@gmail.com.
Bring the following to make sure volunteers get you the proper amount of credit:
- A valid driver’s license or other photo id card for tax payer and spouse,
- Social security cards, a social security number verification letter or the ITIN, individual taxpayer identifying number, for all persons listed on the return
- Birth dates for all persons listed on return
- All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld
- All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes
- Copies of last year’s state and federal tax returns, if you have them
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
- Dependent child care information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker’s SSN or other tax identification number
- Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return
If your income was over $53,000 you can file online for free at www.myfreetaxes.com
To find out more about the services provided by the Community Action Board and Community Services & Workforce Development, visit the website at www.sbccab.wix.com/cab1.