United Way sponsored program offers tax preparation help

Taxpayers who earn less than $42,000 per year in Horry County are eligible to recieve free income tax preparation help as part of a program sponsored by a local coalition, including the United Way.

According to a news release, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA offers free assistance to those with low-to-moderate income, filing Forms 1040EZ, 1040A, or basic 1040 Federal tax returns. The Volunteer Tax preparers also assist eligible taxpayers in claiming any special credits and deductions for which they might be eligible.

All Volunteer Tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS in basic income tax return preparation, the release said.

The following are the locations and hours of operations of free tax preparation sites in this area:

Conway Library - 801 Main St.
Tuesdays 5:30pm - 8:00 pm
Saturdays 10:00am - 2:00pm

Socastee Library - 707 Connector
Wednesdays 3:30pm – 6:30pm
Fridays 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Loris Library - 4316 Main St.
Times to be determined
Surfside Library - 410 Surfside Dr.
Thursdays 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Saturdays 10:00am – 1:00pm

Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand – 1404 Carver St., Myrtle Beach
Thursdays 12noon – 3:00pm

The locations and times are subject to change without notice and other area locations may also be open for the latest information on other area VITA sites, call 1-800-906-9887.

People should come prepared with the following items:
•Valid driver's license or photo identification (self & spouse, if applicable)
•Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return
•Dates of birth for all persons listed on the return
•All income statements: Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, self-employment records and any documents showing taxes withheld
•Dependent child care information: payee’s name, address and SSN or TIN
•Proof of account at financial institution for direct debit or deposit (i.e. cancelled/ voided check or bank statement)
•Prior year tax return (if available)
•Any other pertinent documents or papers
•To file taxes electronically on a married couple filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

“The extra dollars eligible taxpayers can get through EITC can make their lives a little easier,” said Utocqua Grissett, Horry County VITA representative, “but they must file tax returns, even if they aren’t required to file, and claim the credit to receive it.”

Grissett said some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the first time because of unemployment or other changes in their financial, marital or parental status during the past year.

If you qualify for free assistance in filing your taxes electronically and want to ensure that you receive all of the tax credits that you have earned, please contact Utocqua R Grissett, local IRS contact, at (843) 385-9821.