Free Tax Return Preparation

The federal VITA Program, administered locally by Family Economic Success (FES) Program, offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic 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 if you have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.

The Ohio Benefit Bank offers free local tax return preparation through Community Services of Stark County and Trillium Family Solutions to prepare and file federal and Ohio income tax returns at no cost to eligible Ohioans by certified counselors. Free income tax assistance is also available through an online, self-service program. Click here to learn more.

Click here to find a free tax preparation site nearest you!

Senior Citizens get free tax counseling through AARP!
As part of an IRS-sponsored program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those age 60 and older.

Click here to find a free tax preparation site nearest you!

Military personnel and their families get free tax help!
Marines, airmen, soldiers, sailors, and guardsmen and their families worldwide receive free tax preparation assistance at offices within their installations. These sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, and assistance to military members and their families. They are trained and equipped to address military specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) guidelines.

Most service members file their tax returns electronically at their tax centers and, by selecting direct deposit, receive their refunds in as little as one week. This combined effort ensures that service members receive free tax assistance from well-trained and equipped military tax preparers.

Items you need to bring to have your tax returns prepared:

Proof of identification such as your driver’s license or photo ID
Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
Current year’s tax forms and any booklets received in the mail
Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G and 1099-R from all employers
SSA-1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

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