eastwickpress

The Hoosick Area Church Association (HACA), for the ninth year, is offering free assistance to the public in preparing income tax returns through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA program. The VITA site will be located at the HACA Center at 26 John Street, Hoosick Falls. The office will be open each Saturday beginning February 2 from 10 am to 3 pm and on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 pm through February.  In March and April, offices will be open on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm and on Thursdays by appointment. Office hours have been scheduled for evenings and weekends to accommodate people who find it difficult to take time off from work.  The service is free and is provided by IRS Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers.
To help accurately prepare their returns, taxpayers should bring the following:
• photo identification;
• valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents;
• birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return;
• current year’s tax package, if received;
• wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all employers;
• interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099);
• a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
• bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit;
• other relevant information about income and expenses;
• total paid for day care, and
• day care provider’s identifying number.
Call Alison at 686-9491 to make an appointment. Volunteer positions at the site such as reception, filing, photo copying or hostess are also available.
The VITA program offers free assistance to those with low-to-middle incomes (wage earners who make $51,000 or less) who file Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or a basic 1040 Federal tax return.  Most returns for both Federal and State (including Vermont and Massachusetts) can be filed electronically and upon request, refunds can be deposited electronically into a checking or savings account.