United Way of Indian River County is once again coordinating the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offering free help to people who make $56,000 or less and need assistance filing their taxes.
“Appointments are open to Indian River County households beginning on Wednesday, January 20, 2021,” spokeswoman Sarah Tucci told Sebastian Daily.
The United Way Center, located at 1836 14th Avenue in Vero Beach, is the only site offering VITA services in Indian River County for the 20/21 tax season.
VITA will be restricted to a “drop-off valet model,” during which there will be no close contact between a client and volunteer tax preparer. A tax preparer will contact the client by phone or text if there are any questions about the client’s tax return. UWIRC’s VITA protocol will follow guidance published by the IRS and health experts.
Families with low to moderate-income may miss out on substantial tax credits if they don’t have assistance filing their tax returns.
All United Way VITA volunteers are IRS-trained and certified every year and provide free tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in Indian River County. They ensure that taxpayers receive credits due to them such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or Disabled.
Appointments can be made online at UnitedWayIRC.org/taxes or by calling (772) 203-5766. Tax filing at the United Way Center will start on Wednesday, January 20th. Clients must bring a valid picture ID, social security card (or ITIN card) for everybody on the tax return and a copy of their 2019 tax return if filed, as well as the usual relevant tax documents.
This will be the eleventh year United Way of Indian River County has provided free tax preparation through IRS-certified volunteers generously contributing their time and expertise to building a stronger community.
Last year in Indian River County, more than 1220 returns were filed through this program, resulting in approximately $1.3 million in refunds and over $400,000 in earned income credits.
For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900.
