That time of year again that we are soon to be either elated (refund), or deeply saddened (must pay). You got it. INCOME TAX SEASON! Nothing like wasting a week of your life searching through a years’ worth of shoebox receipts, only to realize that the $586 you racked up at Pizza Hut in 2023 doesn’t count as a legitimate business food deduction, despite discussing vacation plans with your family each time you met. This can most definitely be discouraging, but how about having your basic Income Tax Return prepared for you without a charge? Yes, the optimum word here is F-R-E-E, courtesy of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). There are some restrictions, however. More or less, these are the schedules & forms that VITA does not prepare:
Schedule C – (Profit or Loss from a Business)
Schedule D – (Complicated and Advanced Schedules)
Schedule E – (Rental Income)
Form SS-5 – (Request for a Social Security Number)
Form 2106 – (Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses)
Form 3903 – (Moving Expenses)
Form 8606 – (Nondeductible IRA)
Form 8615 – (Tax for Children Under 14 with Investment Income)
Plus, VITA also considers annual income limits or senior citizen status. Best thing to do is call 2-1-1, then accept the option for income tax preparation appointments. A friendly voice on the other end of the phone will discuss your individual requirements for using this service.
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