Free tax help available as deadline looms

20 VITA sites busy with procrastinators

The day before tax day drew procrastinators to the Mission Branch Library where they could get free tax help from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

"Like always, we left it until the last minute, but I'm here," said Margarita Luna, who was using VITA for a sixth year.

This year, more people are eligible for VITA help because the gross household income cap was raised to $60,000.

"We're seeing a lot of people, and we want to be seeing a lot of people," said Richard Keith with the city's Department of Human Services.

Orville Davis was using VITA for the first time after paying tax preparers for the past few years.

"Last couple of years, I had to pay quite a bit," he said. "If you can get it done free, well, it's free."

Some of the 20 VITA sites will work later hours Tuesday to accommodate the last-minute rush.  The latest information on sites and times can be found by calling 211.

People need to bring documentation including photo ID for the filer as well as Social Security or Tax ID cards for each family  member.

"And then, (you need) all those tax documents, the W-2. If they did contracting, the 10-99 forms, and if they bring last year's return, that also helps us," Keith said.

If you plan to mail it in, local post offices will work normal business hours.  No  late night curbside pickup will be available because most taxpayers file electronically.  Late filers can drop off their return at the Main Post Office on Perrin Beitel until midnight on tax day.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.