Free Tax Preparation Clinic Kicks Off at Library

Free tax preparation services are offered in Milpitas to those who qualify—at the senior center, India Community Center and the library.

On Saturday, a line formed inside the library for the first day of a program with United Way Silicon Valley and the IRS for low-to-moderate income individuals or families.

Each tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers are sponsored by various organizations such as the United Way to offer free tax preparation along with electronic filing (e-file) at most locations.

And taxpayers seem to really appreciate the free service.

“Everything’s done for you, and it’s free,” said Milpitas resident Dee Payne. The student attends Mission College. She said she plans to save whatever she gets back on her tax return.

Milpitas resident and ham radio enthusiast John Holman said he plans to use the refund to buy a police scanner. He has had his taxes prepared by VITA volunteers in the past. 

“It’s fast!” Holman said of the free service.

Those who choose to take advantage of the complimentary e-file program will receive their refunds in less time of those that file using the paper method.

By earning less than $49,000 a year, taxpayers qualify to have their basic federal and state returns prepared by the IRS-certified volunteers. Spanish translation is available.

Volunteers will not prepare separate returns for married couples.

They will, however, check to see if the taxpayer qualifies for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

The EITC is a federal tax benefit for working families with low-to-moderate incomes. This year the maximum credit is $5,666 for a family with three or more children, $5,036 for a family with two children, $3,050 for a family with one child, and $457 if there are no children.

“Taxes are complicated. I’m not even from Milpitas, but I heard about this [clinic] and came to ask questions,” said San Jose resident Binh Ly.

Taxpayers can drop in at the library every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through April 16. Or they can go to the India Community Center starting Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

For seniors 60 or older, the city of Milpitas offers a similar service with AARP volunteers on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the senior center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. By appointment only.

A checklist of items to bring:

• Your tax booklet for 2010
• Photo ID
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for all persons on the return
• Copies of your tax return from last year
• W-2 forms from your employer
• or 1099-G forms for unemployment
• or SSA-1099 forms for Social Security
• any 1099 Forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-B) 

For more information about income tax preparation assistance clinics in or near Milpitas, visit the 2011 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Information website. Or call  408-345-4311. 

To make an appointment at the senior center, call 408-586-3400.