Free tax assistance program returns to Coosa County

By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

 

The ringing in of a new year also means it is tax season once again, and a free tax assistance program is returning to Coosa County this year to help numerous eligible citizens with preparing and filing their taxes.

Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama Inc., or VCCA, along with the Coosa County Extension Office and Coosa County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the free tax assistance program once again.

Certified and trained tax preparers will provide free tax assistance, as well as electronic filing, of federal and state income tax forms in Rockford on a weekly basis beginning next month.

Volunteers with VCCA will be available every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning February 5 and going through April 9 to assist with tax preparation and filing. The program will be housed at the Rockford Methodist Church, located at 9916 U.S. Highway 231 in Rockford.

Those whose income is $67,000 or less or who are 60 years old or older with any amount of income are eligible for the free tax assistance program and can file their taxes through the VCCA.

Information required by the IRS that must be brought to the tax site includes last year’s tax return; a photo identification for the taxpayer and spouse, if applicable; Social Security cards for taxpayers and any dependents; and W-2s and 1099s B, R and SSA. Employed taxpayers should also bring a copy of their year-end pay stub.

Regarding itemized deduction lists, individuals are asked to bring all the documentation that applies to them. Those who do not itemize on their federal taxes may still be able to do so on their state returns.

Relating to the Affordable Care Act, those who have health insurance through the government marketplace are asked to also bring their 1095-A form, which the government sends to those enrolled in the health insurance marketplace.

While walk-ins are welcome for the tax assistance program, appointments will take priority. Visits will take approximately 20 minutes each, as this is a drop-off service only.

Those participating in the program will be called to sign and pick up their completed returns. Once that is completed, then their federal and state income tax forms will be electronically filed.

This program is available to all eligible citizens, including those who live outside of Coosa County.

To make an appointment for the Rockford location, call the VCCA in Alexander City at 256-234-0347 and state that it is for the Rockford tax site.