The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are community based partnerships managed by the IRS that provide free tax return preparation assistance to low-to-moderate income taxpayers, seniors, people with disabilities and non-English speakers. In 2012, we are talking about simple(r) returns with incomes generally less than $50,000 as far as eligibility goes. More, including a list of what to bring here.

These are two critical outreach programs that provide free tax return prep to thousands of taxpayers throughout the southland. The Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC goes hand in hand with VITA and this year Jan. 27 was dubbed EITC Awareness day to raise awareness not only about this tax credit but also for the free services that will be generally up and running from now through April 17. More on EITC Awareness is here. 

The military also has a strong VITA Program and IRS is proud to work with the Armed Forces Tax Council. It consists of tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The AFTC oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families.

Airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, guardsmen, and their families worldwide receive free tax preparation assistance at offices within their installations.  These VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, and assistance to military members and their families.  They are trained and equipped to address military specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the Earned Income Tax Credit guidelines.

Most service members file their tax returns electronically at their tax centers and, by selecting direct deposit, receive their refunds in as little as one week. This combined effort ensures that service members receive free tax assistance from well-trained and equipped military tax preparers. Here is more tax information for members of the Armed Forces.

So where can you find out how to find one near you in San Diego County...and beyond? And how much money are we talking about through the EITC?

• To find a VITA site nearest you, consider these options: 

1) Call the IRS VITA Hotline number at 1-800-906-9887 

2) Contact AARP. AARP is a big partner with lots of sites to choose from 

3) Take a look at the CA Franchise Tax Board website as they have a search feature here 

4) And finally, the IRS will have information on site listings up very soon (if not already) at irs.gov

• Just under $475 million was claimed in EITC funds from more than 224,000 San Diego County taxpayers last year but so much goes unclaimed so please check to be sure if you qualify. You need earned income and it must be less than $49,078 (among other qualifications) in 2011 in order to get at least a piece of EITC dollars. Much more on EITC is here.
• Finally, the IRS offers a Free Services publication, Pub 910, IRS Guide to Free Services. Check it out and do take advantage if feasible/possible.