Filing your income taxes can be difficult under any circumstances. Those with disabilities, however, may not be able to afford professional tax services and feel that they have to go it alone.
Fortunately, that’s not the case. There are many free or low cost tax assistance options available to those with limited incomes. The following is a partial list of tax resources for you to turn to:
IRS Free File. The IRS offers taxpayers earning $54,000 or less the opportunity to electronically prepare and file their federal tax returns for free. This program is offered by the IRS in partnership with the Free File Alliance, a group of private sector tax software companies. According to the IRS, 97 million taxpayers will be eligible for these free tax services during the 2007 filing season.
Offered in both English and Spanish, Free File is available through the IRS website. At the IRS site, a list of private tax prep companies participating in the program is provided. Please remember that to get your federal tax return prepared for free, you must go through the IRS site.
Also keep in mind that this program only covers federal tax returns. While at the Free File preparer’s site, you may have them prepare your state tax return or purchase additional services for a fee.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). This program offers free tax help to people earning less than $39,000 who can’t afford to pay a professional preparer. Trained volunteers help prepare basic returns for low-income taxpayers and many locations offer free electronic filing.
Over 12,000 VITA centers are conveniently located in communities throughout the United States. To find a location in your area, or for more information about the VITA program, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC). The LITC program provides low income taxpayers with representation in federal tax controversies with the IRS for free or for a nominal charge. The services offered include assisting with tax audits, conducting tax appeals, helping with collection disputes, drafting responses to IRS notices and correcting account problems.
Though partially funded by the federal government, the clinics are operated by non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Each clinic operates independently, with separate income guidelines and other criteria for deciding who qualifies for representation.
Though located in every state, Guam, and Puerto Rico, LITC locations are limited. To find the nearest clinic, please consult IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List, available on the IRS website.
State tax return preparation assistance. Many state revenue departments offer free walk-in assistance with the preparation and electronic filing of state personal income tax returns. To get help, taxpayers must generally provide a copy of their completed current federal income tax return, W-2’s, 1099’s, any other documentation indicating withholding, a social security card (including a spouse’s card if applicable) and some form of photo identification before their state tax returns can be completed. To check on the availability of such help, where such help is offered and any specific requirements for the service, please check your state revenue department’s website.
The resources provided above should be enough to get you started. However, there are many other free taxpayer assistance programs offered throughout the country, provided you are willing to do the legwork to find them.