Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Tax Preparation Hours at the United Way of Porter County

Appointments for free federal and state tax preparation at the United Way of Porter County (UWPC) are being accepted starting Tuesday, January 19. Free tax preparation is limited to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $54,000 or less with certain other limitation based on the training scope of the volunteer preparers.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling (219) 464-3583. The service is scheduled to be offered four days a week, and some Saturdays from Monday, February 1, 2016 through Thursday, April 14, 2016. The United Way appointment hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.

Mondays: 9 am through 3 pm Tuesdays: 1 pm through 5 pm (except Feb. 9, March 8, April 12) Wednesdays: 10 am to 2 pm (except February 3) Thursdays: 9 am through 3 pm (except February 18, March 17) Saturdays: 8 am through noon (March 5, March 19, March 26 & April 2) only

Key documents that must be supplied include the following:

• Proof of identification (photo ID)
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
• Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements
• Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable and proof of County property tax or rent paid