An (un)Taxing Experience
I filed my federal and state income tax returns yesterday, and it was a completely stress-free experience. How can that be, you ask? Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I had my taxes done by a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer. VITA volunteers are specially trained in electronic income tax filing and the service is free to those with low- to moderate- income (generally $42,000 and below).
Being a Floyd County resident, I called the Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition at 812-206-7514 and was set up with an appointment to meet with a volunteer tax preparer. When I walked into Your Community Bank for my appointment, I was glad to see awards and signage from Metro United Way prominently displayed. The bank and its employees have an outstanding commitment to support the community through their giving to Metro United Way, contributing substantially in the 2008 campaign. I was surprised and delighted when I discovered that the VITA volunteer that would be helping me was Diane Murphy, who has been a strong supporter of Metro United Way through the years (Floyd Co. CSC, 2004-2008; Chair of Floyd Co. campaign, 2008; Chair of Clark/Floyd Co. campaign, 2006).
Diane told me that I’d be serving as her “guinea pig,” as I was the first person that she’d be helping with taxes this year. She also said that preparing my return would provide good experience for her, as I had a little bit of everything – interest income, mortgage interest and property taxes, educational expenses, mileage from volunteering activities, a state tax refund from 2007, sales tax from the purchase of a car, etc. Her colleague Scott assisted us and the entire process took about an hour to complete. It helped that my receipts and paperwork were organized into categories ahead of time so that it was easier for Diane to plug the numbers into the computer program. When we were finished, all that remained was to print out copies, sign my autograph, and shake hands on a job well done. My return was filed with the IRS electronically, and my refund will be deposited directly into my bank account. I felt lighter all day knowing that this dreaded annual chore was done. And it was done completely painlessly!
If your income qualifies you for free income tax assistance from a VITA volunteer, I recommend that you call today and set up an appointment. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you to your appointment:
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Birthdates for you, your spouse and dependents
- Current year’s tax package, if you received one
- 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 deposits of refunds
- Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)
- To file taxes electronically on a married filing jointly tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
If you’re interested in learning more about free income tax assistance or the other services available to those with low- to moderate-income, please call the Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition at 812-206-7514 or check out their website at www.siabc.org. If you live on the Kentucky side of the river, call the Louisville Asset Building Coalition at 502-292-6182 or visit their website at www.labcservices.org. Do yourself a favor and make this tax season less taxing…I’m sure glad that I did!
