Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Information about site locations, times of operation and materials to bring is available by calling 2-1-1

United Way of the Midlands has launched a campaign to help hard-working Midlands residents keep as much as $20 million in tax credits that they let go unclaimed each year from the federal government because most of them simply aren't aware of it.  Volunteers at eight sites around the Midlands offer free tax preparation to households who make $40,000 or less.  Volunteers at the sites also help increase EITC awareness among participants and apply the credit to those who are eligible.
 
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit available to individuals and families participating in the workforce. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income level, marital status, and number of dependent children. As an individual or family's earned income rises, the amount of EITC they are eligible for also rises, providing an incentive to obtain and maintain employment. It then begins to decrease as an individual or family reaches an income level that allows them a measure of self-sufficiency. The average earned income tax credit for those who qualify is $1,600.
 
To participate, the taxpayer must:
- Have household income of $40,000 or less; and bring the following items:
- Proof of identity (taxpayer and spouse, if applicable)
- Birth dates of taxpayer, spouse and dependents
- Copies of all W-2, 1098 and 1099 forms
- Social Security or Individual Tax Identification Numbers for all individuals to be listed on the tax return
- Child care provider's identification number and amount paid for child care
- Checking and/or savings account numbers and bank routing numbers for direct deposit/debit
- Any other information about tax payments or other income

2007 VITA Sites

For the 2007 tax year, United Way of the Midlands will offer eight new free tax preparation sites in Richland and Lexington counties, as well as a mobile site, and launch an Earned Income Tax Credit outreach campaign in coordination with the sites.  
 
Cecil Tillis Center
2111 Simpkins Lane
(Downtown Columbia)
Harvest Hope
2220 Shop Road
(Near Williams Brice Stadium)
The Cooperative Ministry
3821 Beltine Blvd, Columbia
(Near Two-Notch Road side of Columbia)
God's Storehouse
1731 Rosley Rd
(Behind Columbia Mall)
Lexington One-Stop
714 South Lake Drive, Lexington
(Hwy #6 going into Town of Lexington)
Midlands Community Development Corp.
2430 Atlas Road Columbia
(Southeast side of Columbia)
Northside Baptist Church
1303 Sunset Boulevard
In West Columbia off of 378
State Credit Union
Main Branch
800 Huger Street
 
Times vary at each location so taxpayers should call 2-1-1 to determine the time and best location to visit.  For more information, send an e-mail to eitc@uway.org or call 2-1-1.
 

Refund Anticipation Loans

  • Refund Anticipation Loans (or RALs) promise rapid refunds, but they are only slightly faster than normal tax preparation.
  • RALS are overpriced - Rapid refunds have incredibly high fees that can add up to triple digit interest rates.
  • They take away the hard-earned money that is already coming to you!
  • Just like any loan, they can negatively affect your credit, and you can even be penalized for years to come if there are any complications.
  • The truth is, RALs are the most costly way to get your tax refund.
  • Don't fall victim to RALs

More Tax Information