Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Ready to Help Montgomery County Residents - Kingwood

Published: Feb 11, 2015, 3:00pm

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will provide free tax preparation services at sites located all over Montgomery County this tax season.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will provide free tax preparation services at sites located all over Montgomery County this tax season. Residents looking for help in English or Spanish can find a location near them, including Montgomery County Emergency Assistance in Conroe, South Montgomery County YMCA at Shadowbend, the United Way, The Mission Northeast in New Caney, CRM Fellowship Church in The Woodlands, Montgomery County Central Library, Lone Star Family Health Center, the Conroe Independent School District's Jett Continuing Education Center, CISD South County Transportation Center in Oak Ridge, and the Coat of Many Colors Ministry in Montgomery. VITA schedules can be found at several websites including www.irs.gov, www.211texas.org, Entergy (www.entergy.com/eitc), and the childrensbooksonwheels.org website.

"We know their is a real need for tax preparation assistance in Montgomery County and for IRS-certified volunteers to donate their time. We are pleased to be to offer this vital service to area residents again in 2015," says Rita Wiltz, VITA Outreach Coordinator. "We are proud to help build financial literacy in our community and offer quality services to local families."

VITA is sponsored through a local partnership with Entergy and BBVA Compass.

Those interested in VITA's tax-preparation help should bring photo identification, as well as Social Security cards for themselves, a spouse, and any dependents, if applicable. An individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted, along with proof of foreign status. Clients should know birth dates for the members of their family.

Documentation is crucial for tax preparation. Attendees must bring wage and earning statements—for example W-2, 1099R and 1099Misc forms—from all employers, and documentation for any other income. Bank interest statements, Form 1099, and a copy of last year's state and federal returns, are requested as well.

It is important for clients to be aware of the total amount they paid for day care, and have the day care provider's tax ID number, Social Security number or employer identification number (EIN). A new requirement in 2015, those filing tax returns must bring proof of health insurance, for example Affordable Health Care Act Forms 1099 A, B, or C.

If attendees receive a return and would like the amount to be deposited directly in their bank account, a blank check is handy to provide a proof of bank account and routing numbers. Clients who are married filing jointly must both be present to sign the return.

Health Care Marketplace Navigators will be at each tax site to assist families with enrollment in the health insurance marketplace and to answer questions regarding tax credits and exemption status. Attendees can also get application assistance to sign up for Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid, Pregnancy Medicaid, food stamps through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), as well as guidance and referrals for many other community resources.

For more information on VITA and Rita Wiltz, call 888-436-2479.

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