With a commitment to exceptional customer service, the Transitional Assistance Department’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) continues to offer free tax preparation services to qualifying individuals and families until April 15.
Preparing your income taxes can be stressful and difficult to understand. VITA staff have been busy helping taxpayers like 18-year-old Lana Hilwani throughout San Bernardino County prepare and file their income taxes to meet the April 15 filing deadline.
“The staff are all very kind and welcoming,” said Hilwani. “Great customer service and a smooth and easy process.”
If you worked in 2023 and your combined household earned income was less than $64,000, there is still time for you to schedule an appointment with a VITA representative and file your return for free. You may be eligible to receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit for a refund of up to $3,529 or the federal Earned Income Tax Credit for a refund up to $7,430.
Below are some important items to bring to your appointment. You may be required to bring additional information. Please verify with a representative when you call to schedule your appointment.
Identification
- Valid government-issued identification or driver’s license.
- Original social security card or individual tax identification number original card or letter.
- Birthdate.
Income
- W-2s for each job worked in 2023.
- All 1099 forms received.
- Year-end income for Social Security Insurance, workers compensation and unemplovment insurance benefits.
Education credits and adjustments
- Tuition expenses for university, college or technical college (Form 1098-T).
- Interest statement for student loans (Form 1098-E).
Child credits
- Child care expenses: provider name, address, phone number, and Tax ID or Social Security Number.
Property taxes
- Homeowner statements – Verification of real estate taxes paid, or a property tax statement.
Itemized deductions
- Charitable donations
- Medical expenses
- DMV registration statement(s)
- Mortgage interest statement(s) (Form 1098)
* Taxpayers itemizing deductions must add up all expenses prior to having returns prepared.
Additional documents and information
- Copy of your 2022 tax return.
- Direct deposit information: voided check or bank routing and account number.
- Health insurance documents (Form 1095 A, B or C and 3895)
- Both spouses must be present to prepare and file as married filing jointly.
Tax preparation services are not provided for the following:
- Self-employment tax preparation with business expenses
- Rental Property Tax Preparation
- Married filing separately
- Out of state returns
- Military returns
Federal and California state returns are prepared and e-filed by IRS-certified tax preparers. Day and evening appointments are available, Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday appointments. For questions and to schedule an appointment at a location near you, please call 1 (877) 410-8829. For more information, please visit wp.sbcounty.gov/tad/resources.
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