United Way of Martin County and the IRS would like to remind the community that free tax help is available at two Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Martin County.

The VITA sites offer free tax help for low- to moderate-income ($38,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. The IRS-trained volunteers also can help people file for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if they qualify.

United Way took on the effort after learning that about 30 percent of the people in Martin County who qualify for the EITC have not filed for it. United Way wants to help people take advantage of a benefit that could bring them up to $4,400 in tax refunds.

People seeking the free tax assistance at the following VITA sites should call (772) 283-4800 for an appointment:

Hobe Sound
Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. through April 15
Boys and Girls Club, 11500 SE Lares Ave.

Stuart
Thursdays, 6-8 p.m.  through April 15.
United Way of Martin County, 50 Kindred Street, Suite 207

People may qualify for the EITC if they have a Social Security Number, are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, and have a salary less than the following:

·         $11,750 (or $13,750 if married and filing jointly) with no children.

·         $31,030 (or $33,030 if married and filing jointly) with one child.

·         $34,458 (or $35,458 if married and filing jointly) with two or more children.

The IRS recommends clients bring the following documentation to the VITA appointment:

·         Must bring photo identification

·         Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents.

·         Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return.

·         Current year’s tax forms if you received a packet.

·         Wage and earning statement(s), such as form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.

·         Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).

·         A copy of last year’s tax returns, if available.

·         If using direct deposit - bank routing numbers and account numbers.

·         Other relevant information about income and expenses, such as total paid for day care and day care provider’s Identifying number.

·         To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

United Way planned a third site for Indiantown, but volunteers are needed to assist with taxes.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call the United Way Volunteer & Community Resource Center at (772) 220-4472 or Peggy O'Malley, senior tax specialist with the IRS in West Palm Beach, at (561) 616-2016. The IRS offers free training.

For alternate tax assistance sites and locations outside of Martin County, contact the 2-1-1 HelpLine.

More information about the Earned Income Tax Credit is available at www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040.