SAN ANTONIO – With three small children to feed and diaper, Melissa Rodriguez could use her tax refund, so she filed early with the help Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
"They prepare everything for you," she said.
She came to the YWCA on Castroville Road, one of 18 sites where VITA, an IRS-sponsored program, is helping thousands of people with what can be an intimidating chore.
Marguerita Heredia is grateful for the help.
"I don't know how to do it myself," she said. "They get the job done, and it's free."
The free service is for individuals and families who qualify because they earn $60,000 or less a year.
Last year, VITA San Antonio filed 37,000 returns generating $75 million in refunds.
"We're able to actually explain to them the return," said Lupita Perez, a VITA volunteer. "A lot of families understand they are getting so much money, but they don't know how they are getting it."
VITA preparers explain and help taxpayers claim the various tax credits to which they are entitled. That can mean thousands of dollars in their pockets.
This year, many people who claim the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit may have their refunds delayed. Because of a new law, the IRS is intentionally slowing those refunds to combat ID theft and tax fraud.
The earliest that those filers will receive a refund is Feb. 27.
Otherwise, most refunds are complete within 21 days, according to the IRS.
Taxes are due April 18.
VITA locations can be found on its website.
The following items are needed for VITA to prepare your tax return:
- Proof of identification -- drivers license or photo ID
- Social Security card or individual tax identification number (ITIN) for you, your spouse and dependents
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT)
- A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
- Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security number or the provider’s business employer identification number)
- To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, BOTH spouses must be present to sign the required forms