VITA Tax Day Offers Free Preparation and Tips in Gaithersburg

Residents of Montgomery County earning less than $53,000 a year qualify for free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

While appointments are taken at various locations throughout Montgomery County, several agencies are joining together to host Super VITA Tax Day in Gaithersburg, an opportunity for residents to get free tax preparation and learn about other services and resources. It takes place on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue next to Gaithersburg High School. No appointments are necessary.

In addition to tax preparation and assistance with the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, representatives will be on hand to assist with applications for SNAP (food assistance) and FAFSA (student aid). Housing counselors will also be available, and can assist with information about the Maryland Renters Tax Credit Program. Additionally, financial institutions with the Bank On Gaithersburg program can assist with opening low or no cost accounts in preparation for direct deposit of tax refunds.

Assistance with Schedule C & C-EZ will also be available for qualifying small business owners, contractors and the self-employed. Certain restrictions apply.

The IRS does not allow VITA volunteers to prepare taxes without required documentation. Individuals should be prepared to bring:

–A government-issued ID (Valid Driver’s License, Passport, Age of Majority Card)
–Original Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Notice (ITIN) for each member of the family and last year’s tax return (if available).
–Birth dates for every person claimed on the individual’s tax return.
–All W2 forms, forms 1098, 1099, and other documents regarding income.
–All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements, or Health Insurance Certificate, if received.

If filing jointly, the spouse must be present. If filing separately, the individual must provide the spouse’s social security number and name exactly as it appears on the social security card.
Statement of annual child care expenses prepared by the provider, with their tax ID (Social Security or EIN number).
For direct deposit: proof of a bank account, including routing numbers.

This event is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and its Bank On Gaithersburg program, Café Montgomery, the Montgomery County Community Action Agency, Maryland Cash Campaign, the Montgomery College Educational Opportunity Center, the Housing Initiatives Partnership, and Family Services, Inc.

For sign language and other special accommodations at this event, please call 240.777.1697, providing advance notice of at least three business days. For information about Montgomery County services call 311 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311.

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