If the thought of filling out a 1040 fills you with fear or makes your head spin, there is hope: volunteers with the IRS are offering free tax-preparation help through the agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
It's available to those making $51,000 or less per year, according to the IRS.
“This program provides free tax preparation to individuals and families who may not be able to afford a tax preparer," California Board of Equalization Member George Runner said in a press release. "Connecting low-income earners with the Earned Income Tax Credit provides them with valuable support during difficult economic times and boosts our state and local economy."
Here are some locations near the La Mesa-Spring Valley area where residents can find VITA help:
Provider Dates Languages Appointment HOC - CASA DE ORO FSA9805 CAMPO RD
SUITE 180
SELF-PREP TAXES ONLY
SPRING VALLEY, CA 91977
619-283-2200
Get Directions 02 FEB 2013 -
13 APR 2013 ENGLISH REQUIRED SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
5500 CAMPANILE DR
EBA BUILDING / RM 113
SAN DIEGO, CA 92182
Get Directions 12 FEB 2013 -
09 APR 2013 SPANISH
CHINESE
ENGLISH NOT REQUIRED ALLIANCE FOR AFRICAN ASSISTANCE
5952 EL CAJON BLVD.
VOLUNTEER PREPARED AND SELF-PREP
SAN DIEGO, CA 92115
619-286-9052
Get Directions 30 JAN 2013 -
11 APR 2013 ENGLISH
FRENCH
SPANISH
ARABIC
MANDARIN REQUIRED INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE - EL CAJON
131 E MAIN ST
SUITE 201
VOLUNTEER PREPARED AND SELF PREP
EL CAJON, CA 92020
619-641-7510
Get Directions 23 JAN 2013 -
15 APR 2013 ARABIC
ENGLISH
FARSI
SPANISH REQUIRED HOME START - LITTLE HOUSE
131 AVOCADO AVE
EL CAJON, CA 92020
619-283-3624
Get Directions 23 JAN 2013 -
13 APR 2013 ENGLISH
SPANISH
ARABIC REQUIRED INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
5348 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
SUITE 108
VOLUNTEER PREPARED AND SELF PREP
SAN DIEGO, CA 92105
619-641-7510
Get Directions 23 JAN 2013 -
15 APR 2013 ARABIC
ENGLISH
FARSI
SPANISH REQUIRED HOME START - MID-CITY
5296 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
SUITE F-2
SAN DIEGO, CA 92105
619-283-3624
Get Directions 22 JAN 2013 -
15 APR 2013 VIETNAMESE
SPANISH
ENGLISH REQUIRED HOME START - NAZARENE
1123 N. MOLLISON AVENUE
EL CAJON, CA 92021
619-283-3624
Get Directions 31 JAN 2013 -
11 APR 2013 SPANISH
ENGLISH REQUIRED
Here's a list of items to bring, courtesy of the IRS:
- Proof of identification – Picture ID
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or
- 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, 1099-Misc 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 account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
- 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) if appropriate
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
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Have you received help from the VITA program in the past? Tell us what you thought of it in the comments section below.
