Local residents have two options to file their taxes for free this year. United Way of San Luis Obispo County, in partnership with the United Ways of Santa Barbara County, is introducing the MyFreeTaxes.org online tax preparation software and offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, VITA, program.
Individuals or families earning under $57,000 qualify to use MyFreeTaxes.org to file their own state and federal taxes free of charge. The online tool was created by H&R Block and is sponsored by Walmart. Residents can save $20 – $200 immediately by filing income taxes using this service.
Computers with internet access are available at all SLO County public libraries during open hours. Appointments may be made to use the computers for MyFreeTaxes.org at the Arroyo Grande, Atascadero and San Luis Obispo libraries on Saturdays, February 2-April 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon.
Also, now through April 6, United Way of San Luis Obispo County and Cal Poly State University will offer free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals and families who qualify. Qualified households include those with total earnings under $50,000. VITA sites are located at the Business and Career One-Stop of San Luis Obispo at 880 Industrial Way in San Luis Obispo, and at the Cal Poly campus. Appointments are available on Saturdays between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Individuals can call 2-1-1 or (805) 922-8509 to schedule an appointment.
All returns at VITA sites are prepared by certified volunteers and reviewed by certified tax preparers. These trained community volunteers may help with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds are deposited directly into one’s bank account.
In 2012, VITA sites in San Luis Obispo County brought in over $400,000 in Earned Income and Childcare Tax Credits.
More information is available online at www.unitedwayslo.org and www.myfreetaxes.org.