Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
The VITA program is possible because of community volunteers who offer free tax preparation to low and moderate income taxpayers, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
The 2012 VITA tax season was the most successful to date! Chandler’s continued partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), local businesses, and nonprofit agencies are the reason for its success. There were 48 dedicated volunteers who assisted 1,175 citizens prepare their state and federal tax returns producing refunds in the amount of $1.4 million! The estimated savings to our citizens in tax preparation fees were about $200,000.
For single taxpayers who earned $35,000 or less and families who earned $50,270 or less in 2012, you can meet face-to-face with an IRS trained tax preparer at six Chandler locations (see below).
Myfreetaxes.com: It’s tax time, and we all want to make the most of our tax returns. If you earned $57,000 or less in 2012, you can have your taxes done free and at the ease of your own computer at www.myfreetaxes.com/chandler.
For a tutorial on how to use Myfreetaxes.com, click Getting Started
VITA Sites -
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The CARE Center is closed this Saturday, March 30th.
The Chandler CARE Center
777 E. Galveston Street
Wednesdays 12-6pm Walk-in
Saturdays 9am - 1 pm Walk-in
Open through April 13th
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Chandler Christian Community Center
345 S. California Street
Tuesdays 12noon - 7pm Walk-in
Open through April 9th
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Chandler Gilbert Community College
2626 E. Pecos Road
Fridays 1pm - 4 pm Walk-in
Open through April 12th
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First Credit Union
25 S. Arizona Place
Mondays 5pm -8 pm Walk-in
Wednesdays 10am-3pm Appt & Walk-in
Open through April 10th
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Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
2145 W. Elliot Road
Saturdays 10am - 4pm Walk-in
Open through April 13th
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Sun Lakes Country Club
25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd.
Mondays 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Walk-in
Open through April 8th
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Guidelines
VITA’s goal is to assist citizens who cannot afford to pay for tax preparation. The target population is families making $50,270 or less, or individuals making $35,000 or less per year. If you have suffered a job loss or other financial hardship, the program is flexible and may be able to accommodate you. VITA sites can prepare most basic federal and state returns utilizing the 1040 and 1040EZ forms, and related schedules, such as A, B, & C-EZ.
What to bring with you:
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Required Tax Documents for all people on the return (if applicable) for 2011:
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Picture Identification
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Social Security cards, IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) cards, or ITIN letter
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Proof of all income, including W-2, 1099, and any earnings statements
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Unemployment information
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Alimony information
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Interest or dividend statements
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Copy of last year’s tax return
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Named, address, tax ID number, and amount paid for child care
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Student tuition or loan information
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Social Security, pension and IRA statements
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Statements of medical expenses
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Record of gifts to charities or churches
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Any record of payment made to IRS (i.e., quarterly payments)
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Bank account information including routing number (to use direct deposit)
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Any envelopes received in the mail with “Important Tax Information Enclosed” on the envelope
NOTE: If married, VITA only does joint filings, so both adults must be present.
For further information, please contact Jeanne Bosarge, Community Resource Assistant, Community Development Division, at 480-782-4358 or Jeanne.bosarge@chandleraz.gov
History
In 2010, Chandler’s VITA volunteers assisted with the filing of 794 personal tax returns resulting in refunds totaling $1.3 million. Chandler is making a special effort to educate and assist its residents in filing the forms necessary to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is worth up to $5,500 and can boost a family’s income by up to 35% and over $190,000 in EITC refunds were claimed by families last year. However, almost 25% of eligible low to moderate income working families miss out on thousands of dollars in tax refunds because they are unaware of the EITC credit.
The City of Chandler wants to help put this money back into the pockets of Chandler residents through VITA which emphasizes making sure that all eligible residents take advantage of this important tax credit. Other tax credits that are available are the Child Tax Credit and Education Credit. (See the IRS website at “irs.gov” for more information.)
State Web sites:
Miscellaneous/Sponsor Web sites:
 
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