Free Tax Help Available to Meet April 15th Filing Deadline

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Serves Individuals and Families in Need

Madison, WI – With the April 15th tax filing deadline a month away, state revenue officials are reminding people that free tax help is available in communities across the state. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites help serve low-to-moderate income residents, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities prepare their tax returns.

“The Department of Revenue expects about three million total tax returns this year, and approximately 70% of those will be e-filed. We want people to know that free tax help is available to them and trained professionals can help answer your questions and, in some locations, even prepare your return for you,” said Revenue Secretary Roger Ervin. “The VITA sites can file tax returns electronically, which means people will have their refunds in their pockets that much sooner.”

Local partnerships are crucial to making the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) sites possible. Taxpayers can get help with questions or e-filing their returns at more than 200 sites across the state found in community centers, libraries, churches, shopping malls and retirement homes. Most VITA sites are open through April 15th. Call 211 to find a VITA or TCE site in your area.

The individuals who help prepare your tax return at the VITA site are trained professional volunteers. Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) employees staff some of the VITA sites to double-check the accuracy of returns prior to filing.

Please be sure to bring the documents below to the volunteer tax site:
- All documents about the income you received during the year
- Any tax documents you got in the mail
- Legal names and social security numbers for everyone you will include on your tax return
- Signed rent certificate or property tax bill if you will file for Homestead Credit
- Your bank account numbers to get refunds deposited into your account (example: deposit slip)
- Your spouse must come if married and filing jointly

People can also e-file their state income tax return for free from the Department’s website at revenue.wi.gov.

Posted @ 6:30 p.m.