In the Spotlight
Get Your Taxes Filed for FREE! Dial 2-1-1 Now!
While more and more working families and individuals are struggling financially, income tax season can make the situation even more stressful. There is some good news for thousands in the Midlands who earned less than $42,000 last year.
Don’t pay for filing, loans or quick refunds. Through a United Way of the Midlands grant, The Cooperative Ministry is offering eight Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Richland and Lexington counties where Midlands residents can have their federal and SC taxes prepared for
free. Additionally, United Way of the Midland
’s Edisto Council is also promoting three free tax prep sites in Orangeburg County.
This fast and free service helps residents avoid predatory income tax preparers and costly, refund anticipation loans. VITA has no fees or hidden expenses.
Returns are e-filed so refunds are received in around 10 days or less.
IRS Certified volunteer tax preparers take special care in making sure working Midlands residents are taking advantage of every tax credit available like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). This year eligible families can get as much as $4,824 from the EITC and more if they also qualify for the CTC. These credits can help a family become more financially secure and better able to keep up with household bills, stave off dire situations such as mortgage foreclosure or save for emergencies. 
In 2008, United Way of the Midlands managed the Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program at sites hosted by community partners and returned almost $1 million to the Midlands community.
“We are pleased to expand the program this year and encourage more people in the Midlands to use this free service. This United Way of the Midlands grant will also allow The Cooperative Ministry to expand the free tax preparation program to include financial education components,” said Jennifer Moore, United Way of the Midlands.
Sites are open now through April 15, but times and locations vary. Those interested in participating should dial 2-1-1
, United Way of the Midlands information and referral service, for locations, qualifications, and times.
Items taxpayers need to bring to the VITA Sites to have their tax returns prepared:
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Proof of identification
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Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security
Administration
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Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
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Current year’s tax package if you received one
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Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
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Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
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A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
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Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit
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Total paid for childcare provider and the childcare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
Note: To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Dial 2-1-1 for locations, qualifications and times!
This program was supported in part by funding from:
