WASHINGTON -- More than 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the IRS continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations providing vital tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers.
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help generally to people who earn $50,000 and less. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older.
Taxpayers need to present the following items to have their returns prepared:
- Photo identification
- Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
- Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year's federal and state returns, if available
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
- Other relevant information about income and expenses
- Total paid for day care
- Day care provider's identifying number
To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Jointly tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
For taxpayers who want to prepare and e-file their own tax returns, there is IRS Free File.
Everyone can use Free File, the free way to prepare and e-file federal taxes either through brand-name software or online fillable forms.
Individuals or families with 2011 adjusted gross incomes of $57,000 or less can use Free File software.
Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, has no income restrictions.
Taxpayers also can seek free assistance at the 400 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide.
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