Free Tax Preparation Services Begins in February for Low Income Families in Northern Virginia

Contact:  Karen Velez – 703.771.5718

Last year families throughout Northern Virginia received more than $4.4 million in federal refunds through the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), locally known as the Northern Virginia CASH Campaign – Creating Assets, Savings and Hope.  This year we hope to help even more families and put more money back into the hands of individuals and families in our area that need help the most. 

At this time of economic downturn and growing need, here is an opportunity for individuals and families who earned less than $49,000 in 2009 to get help filing their tax returns at no cost. Starting in February and running through April 2010, IRS certified volunteers at 18 sites in Northern Virginia will help make sure that low income families receive the maximum tax refund to which they are entitled and help determine if they are eligible for the earned income tax credit (EITC). EITC has been making lives easier for working people for 35 years. Today, more than ever, hard-working individuals and families can use a little extra help.

The Loudoun County Department of Family Services and the Loudoun Area Agency on Aging have joined forces with the Northern Virginia CASH Campaign’s effort to mobilize a coalition of public agencies, businesses, libraries, faith and community-based groups to operate this free tax assistance program.

“This service is so important because it informs people about the Earned Income Tax Credit and other assistance that may be available to help them afford basic necessities such as rent or food for their children,” said Karen Velez, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Coordinator for Loudoun County Family Services.

People seeking tax preparation assistance are asked to bring the following items with them:

·         Photo ID

·         Social Security cards or ITIN letters and birthdates for all persons on tax return

·         Copy of 2008 Federal & State tax return (very helpful, but not required)

·         Prior year refund and/or payment information

·         All wage & earnings information (W-2s, W-2G, 1099s, and etc.) from all employers

·         Interest and Dividend Statements, miscellaneous income statements, unemployment  compensation (form 1099-G)

·         A check or deposit slip if you want direct deposit

·         Daycare Expenses paid in 2009 (& day care providers name, address and federal ID number)

·         Student tuition and loan and interest payments paid in 2009 (1098E)

·         Paperwork relating to Energy efficient home improvements, new car purchases and new home purchases (closing agreement)

·         Paperwork regarding medical expenses, tax payment (personal, property), charitable donation receipts

·         Record of Sales Tax paid on new vehicles purchased in 2009

·         Record of Economic Recovery Payment received from SSA, RRB or VA

·         Paperwork relating to energy efficient home improvements and home buyers paperwork (closing agreement)

 All returns are filed electronically.  If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must be present.

2010 Loudoun County “Free” Tax Assistance Sites

 

Walk-In (No Appointments)	Wage earners or retirees	(less than $49,000 income)
Rust Library– VITA SITE
380 Old Waterford Road	Monday & Friday	10:00am-2:00pm
Leesburg, VA	Feb. 22 - April 12
Area Agency on Aging
Walk-In (No Appointments)	Wage earners only	(less than $49,000 income)
Shenandoah Building - VITA SITE
102 Heritage Way NE (1st floor)	Tuesday & Thursday	6:00pm-8:00pm
Loudoun Workforce Resource Center (enter at back of building)	Saturday	9:30am-11:30am
Department of Family Services	Feb 4 - April 15
Walk-In (No Appointments)	Wage earners or retirees	No Income eligibility
Cascades Library – AARP Site
21030 Whitfield Place	Tuesday & Thursday	10:00am-2:00pm
Sterling, VA	Feb 2 - April 15
Appointments Required	Wage earners or retirees	703-404-5216
Falcons Landing – AARP Site
Corner Algonkian Pkwy &	Mon, Thurs, Sat	1:00pm-5:00pm
Potomac View Rd	Feb 1 - April 15
Sterling, VA

Preparation of IRS forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and Virginia state tax forms.

All returns are filed electronically—if joint return, both spouses have to be present

For more locations in Northern Virginia check out this website: www.nvacash.org

Tax Payers must bring: Photo ID

·         Social Security cards or ITIN letters and birthdates for all persons on tax return

·         Copy of 2008 Federal & State tax return (very helpful, but not required)

·         Prior year refund and/or payment information

·         All wage & earnings information (W-2s, W-2G, 1099s, and etc.) from all employers

·         Interest and Dividend Statements, miscellaneous income statements, unemployment  compensation (form 1099-G)

·         A check or deposit slip if you want direct deposit

·         Daycare Expenses (& day care providers name, address and federal ID number) paid in 2009

·         Student tuition and loan and interest payments (1098E)

·        

Paperwork relating to Energy efficient home improvements, new car purchases and new home purchases (closing agreement)

·         Paperwork regarding medical expenses, tax payment (personal, property), charitable donation receipts

·         Record of Sales Tax paid on new vehicles purchased in 2009

·         Record of Economic Recovery Payment received from SSA, RRB or VA

·         Paperwork relating to energy efficient home improvements and home buyers paperwork (closing agreement)

 

Note:  if not sure if you should bring something? Bring it along, so you won’t have to come back at another time!

 

If Loudoun County Public Schools are closed due to Weather the VITA Sites will not be open