Free Income Tax Service for Chatham County residents

Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:05:37 -0500
From: dale olbrich
Subject: Free Income Tax Service

Yes, your 2009 Federal and North Carolina income tax can be prepared and filled electronically (e-file) for free. Chatham County residents can take advantage of this service sponsored by the IRS, Orange County RSVP and the Chatham County Council on Aging. The service is designed to assist low to middle income taxpayers of all ages. It is called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program providing computerized preparation of your 2009 income tax by IRS trained and certified preparers. In addition, by taking advantage of the e-file or electronic filing capability, you will receive any refund due in half the time compared to returns filed on paper and even faster when tax refunds are deposited directly into one’s bank account.

This service will be offered at both Chatham County Senior Center locations with the following schedule:

Eastern Chatham Senior Center, Highway 87 North in Pittsboro from 1-4 PM on the following  Wednesday’s – February 3 and 17, March 3 and 17 and April 14 and from 10 AM to 4 PM on the following  Saturday’s – February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20 and April 3.

Western Chatham Senior Center, 112 Village Lake Dr, Siler Business Park in Siler City from 1-3 PM on the following Wednesday’s – February 10 and 24, March 10 and 24 and April 7 and from 10 AM to 4 PM on the following Saturday’s – February 13 and 27, March 13 and 27 and April 10.

Appointments are necessary so do not delay. Call Evelyn White at 542-4512 to book your day and time. Spanish speaking clients are welcome and can make an appointment by calling Vinculo Hispano at 742-1448.

To speed tax preparation and to insure the accuracy of your return, it is important to bring the following documentation to your appointment:

·        Last Year’s Tax Return

·        Social Security cards or ITIN’s for you, your spouse and dependents

·        Birth Dates

·        Wage and earning statements (W-2, 1099R)

·        Interest and Dividend statements (1099 Int. / 1099 Div.)

·        Totaled receipts for all medical expenses and charitable contributions

·        Proof of Property tax payment

·        Total paid for daycare and the providers tax identification number

·        Education expenses plus information about any student loans

·        Proof of Unemployment Compensation

And new for 2009 there are 2 new credits if you qualify:

1.      Proof of a home purchased during the year if you are a first time home buyer

2.      Deduction of the state sales tax on the purchase of a new car, light truck, motorcycle or motor home purchased after February 17, 2009.

“Bringing the appropriate information to your appointment will speed the process, save you time and perhaps some money” said White. And do not forget that if you are married filing jointly both spouses must be there to sign the return.

Early appointments fill up fast so call as soon as possible.