VITA Free Tax Preparation Make-up Day Set

unitedway portercountyTaxpayers who qualify and failed to file taxes for the past year can have taxes prepared for 2011by appointment

A tax preparation “make-up day” has been scheduled for one-day, Thursday, Sept. 27, to allow those to file who failed to file taxes for last year. The free tax preparation service, held at the United Way of Porter County, is for those individuals who qualify, low to moderate income taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $50,000 yearly or less. Tax preparation will be by appointment from 9 am to 3 pm. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance by volunteers who are training and certified to prepare taxes for those who are eligble.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, “Most people voluntarily file their tax returns and pay their taxes—they want to pay their fair share and get a refund, claim and credit or avoid breaking the law.”

About 250 people filed their taxes under the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program at the Porter County United Way during the regular tax season,” said George Kuebler, VITA Site Coordinator. “This one day tax filing make-up program is being offered to those who may have failed to file their taxes for last year.

According to IRS research sometimes people don’t file due to:

  • A change in their filing status resulting from the death of a spouse, divorce or other life-changing event
  • Emotional or financial reasons; or 
  • Procrastination

The IRS spells out some things to consider for those facing the consequences of not filing:

  • Failure to file penalty – If you owe taxes, a delay in filing may result in penalty and interest changes that could increase your tax bill. The longer you delay, the larger these changes grow.
  • Losing you refund – There is no penalty for failure to file if you are due a refund. However, you cannot obtain a refund without filing a tax return. If you wait too long to file, you may risk losing the refund altogether. In cases where a return is not filed, the law provides most taxpayers with a three-year window of opportunity for claiming a refund.
  • EITC – If you are entitled to the Earned Income Tax Credit, you must file your return to claim the credit even if you are no otherwise required to file. The return must be filed within three years of the due date in order to receive the credit.

The IRS advises that regardless of the reason for not filing, taxes ought to be filed as soon as possible. Payment options are offered by the IRS for those unable to fully pay any tax due on the late returns.

Appointments for the Sept. 27 date can be secured by calling George Kuebler, VITA Site Supervisor, United Way of Porter County, at (219) 464-3583 x128.

Items you need to bring to the VITA site to have your tax returns prepared:

  • Proof of identification – Picture ID
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
  • Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business
  • Employer Identification Number) if appropriate
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
  • For Indiana returns, either rent paid for the year 2011 and landlord name and address; or property taxes paid if home in owned.