For the third consecutive year, volunteers at Genesee Community College are providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2011 tax season. Working collaborative with Genesee County Department of Social Services (GCDSS), interested participants have access to walk-in sessions at GCC’s Batavia Campus or appointment-based services at DSS.
The walk-in sessions at the GCC Batavia campus are Tuesday, March 6; and Thursday, March 22, each from 4 to 7 p.m. in room T204. The appointment-based services available at the Genesee County DSS at 5130 East Main Street, Batavia are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. by calling 344-2580 ext. 6552.
Through VITA, IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation to community members with low to moderate-income. The certified volunteers have undergone rigorous online training to be able to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.
The services are available to anyone whose household income is below $50,000 and does not require the filing of Schedule C or D. Business tax returns or complicated capital gains transactions cannot be completed through the VITA program. Each client leaves with a copy of his or her return that has been prepared. GCC is pleased to be working with Mark Castiglione from the Department of Social Services, who is the site coordinator.
Participants must bring all their necessary documents including W-2 (wage and earning statement(s) from employer(s), W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc (interest and dividend statements from banks) forms; social security cards for all persons listed on the tax return; and a copy of last year’s Federal and State returns, if available. In addition, bank account routing numbers and account numbers are also needed for direct deposit. Other information participants may need to provide includes total annual payment for daycare providers plus the daycare provider’s tax identifying numbers and address. Lastly, for married-filing joint tax returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
