Valley of the Sun United Way brings free tax assistance sites to West Valley
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(PHOENIX) Feb. 9, 2012 – Workers living in the West Valley who have fallen on hard economic times may be eligible to receive free income tax assistance at one of Valley of the Sun United Way’s eight West Valley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in their area. Available only during tax season and staffed by volunteers who are trained to IRS standards, VITA sites offer free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low or limited income, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and military personnel and their families.
There are more than 60 VITA sites located throughout Arizona, but when the IRS identified a gap in VITA sites available to West Valley residents, Valley of the Sun United Way worked with the IRS and local businesses, education providers and non-profit organizations to fill this gap in services and bring more VITA sites to the West Valley.
VITA sites not only offer free tax preparation, they also help families or individuals apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, which can put up to $5,751 into their pockets. EITC is available to workers who earned $49,078 or less in 2011, but they can only get it if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit. To check Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility, go to www.irs.gov/eitc or visit a VITA site. For a full list of local VITA sites, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211arizona.org/tax.
Last year, more than half a million Arizonans received $1.2 billion in EITC credits and, nationwide, $59.5 billion was claimed – making EITC one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs. This year even more Arizonans could qualify for the credit, but they may not know about it.
“Four of five eligible people claim and get their EITC. We want to raise that number to five out of five by connecting individuals to resources like VITA sites that can help them increase their financial stability,” said Valley of the Sun United Way Senior Vice President of Community Impact, Brian Spicker.
To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, VITA site visitors should bring the following items with them:
- Social Security cards or IRS ITIN card or ITIN letter for all household members
- Picture ID for taxpayer (and spouse)
- Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
- Proof of all income, including W-2 and 1099 forms
- Name, address, and tax ID# of childcare provider
- Amount of money paid to childcare provider last year
- Account and routing numbers for direct deposit
- Copy of last year’s tax return, if available
To electronically file joint returns and get the fastest refunds, both spouses must be present.
Click here for a list of Valley of the Sun United Way-sponsored West Valley VITA sites.
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children throughout Maricopa County. For more information visit, www.vsuw.org
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