Community Corner

Milpitas Library Offering Free Tax Return Help Through April

Volunteer-driven IRS effort to focus on low-income, disabled, elderly and limited English-speaking residents.

Contributed by the SCC Public Affairs Office.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Filling out income tax forms may be a daunting experience, especially to those not who are not fluent in English or lack resources to pay for professional guidance.  The County of Santa Clara is inviting low income, elderly, limited English speaking and disabled residents to use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a free annual service coordinated by the Internal Revenue Service and supported by over one hundred trained IRS certified volunteers.   

“For many, tax season may come with apprehension and frustration,” said President Ken Yeager, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors. “We are glad the County continues to partner every year in this voluntary effort to provide convenient locations for free and reliable tax preparation assistance.”

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Currently, more than 40 sites throughout the County are providing tax preparation support, including three County libraries and one Social Services location. Services started in late January and  will continue until mid-April.  Assistance is available to residents whose 2012 income was less than $51,000 and who are not filling as “Married, Filing Separate.”

“As a professional tax preparer for 20 years, I know firsthand how tax regulations are complex and change from year to year,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Mike Wasserman, Delegate for the County Library District Joint Powers Authority, the governing board of the Library. “It can be a relief to work with experienced volunteers with up to date knowledge. 

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At some VITA locations, residents will need to schedule appointments.  Assistance at County Locations will be given in a “first come, first served” basis.  

To maximize federal and California State tax preparation assistance, those seeking help should bring:

  • Proof of identification such as a driver's license or other photo ID
  • Social Security Cards or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for individuals, spouse and dependents
  • Birth dates for individuals, spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) such as Form W-2, 1099's, 1098's and all other tax forms they have received
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
  • Proof of bank account  for direct deposit of refund (e.g., a voided check)

Locations and schedule of County of Santa Clara VITA sites include the Milpitas Public Library:

February 16 - April 13

160 N. Main Street, Milpitas, CA  95035

Saturdays: 10:00 - 2:00 pm.

E-File and Individual Tax payer Identification Number –ITIN- tax returns only.

No paper returns are prepared at this site.

Assistance in English and Spanish

 


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