Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:42:57 +0000
From: Debra Henzey
Subject: Chatham Residents May Qualify for Free Tax Filing Help
Contact: Dennis Streets, 919-542-4512
1/21/2015
Chatham Residents May Qualify for Free Tax Filing Help
PITTSBORO, NC- Chatham County encourages income-eligible residents to avoid unnecessary fees this tax season by relying on RSVP-VITA tax preparation service. All VITA services include FREE electronic filing for both federal and state tax returns.
The IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will begin its free service on February 2, 2015, for Chatham and Orange counties. VITA is available to clients with low to moderate income, regardless of age or county residency, as long as eligibility guidelines are met.
For a listing of specific dates, locations, eligibility, what to bring, walk in information and to make appointments online, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/aging/VITA.asp
Allow two hours for each appointment. Additional information will be available in January at local libraries and online.
IRS-certified volunteers are trained to prepare computerized federal and state tax returns for eligible clients. Returns are filed electronically at no charge. Each return is reviewed for accuracy and to determine that the return is complete with all applicable deductions and credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Various changes in North Carolina tax law will impact the preparation of tax forms, including changes in deductions and credits. Clients with lengthy returns may have to go to a paid preparer. Non-English-speaking clients must bring an interpreter with them if their appointment is at one of the Senior Centers.
Appointment Contact Numbers and Dates (Appointments required; no walk-ins)
Chatham County phone contact: 919-542-4512 (English) and Spanish-speaking residents should call 919-742-1448 (Hispanic Liaison office)
Eastern Senior Center in Pittsboro available dates are:
* Tuesdays from 1 to 5 pm from Feb.10 to April 7
* Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm from Feb. 7 to April 11
Western Senior Center in Siler City available dates:
* Wednesdays from noon to 4 pm from Feb. 4 to April 8
Hispanic Liaison in Siler City dates:
* Thursday, Feb. 5, from noon to 5 pm
* Saturday, Feb.14, from 10 am to 5 pm
* Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 am-5 pm
For 2015, Orange County provides the VITA assistance for Chatham County through its partnership with several local agencies, including the Chatham County Council on Aging. Federal sponsors include the IRS and the Corporation for National and Community Service-Senior Corps.
In keeping with the NC Public Records Law, e-mails, including attachments, may be released to others upon request for inspection and copying.
Debra Henzey
Chatham County Director of Community Relations
919-542-8258
Cell 919-548-4662