Free tax assistance still available in Sarasota County
Update on days and hours
SARASOTA COUNTY -Free tax aid continues to be available at locations throughout Sarasota County for quick filing of federal individual income tax returns at AARP tax aid sites and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. The VITA sites are operated by the United Way Suncoast.
Residents who earned $62,000 or less last year can use the VITA tax aid sites in Sarasota County. The United Way Suncoast also is offering free online tax preparation for people who want to file their own taxes. The website is www.myfreetaxes.com.
There are no income limits or age limits at the AARP sites. This service is not for business returns or complex tax issues.
Both the AARP and VITA free tax sites allow residents to electronically file their tax returns so they can receive refunds – if eligible – sooner. Generally, a refund can be posted to a person’s bank account within seven to 10 days after the visit to one of the AARP or VITA sites.
Services include responding to questions; assisting eligible persons, including older adults, in filing their taxes; and support in reporting and receiving the benefit of all available and eligible credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit.
Taxpayers should bring the following to help determine their EITC eligibility and to help prepare their tax returns:
- photo identification
- valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
- birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return
- current year’s tax package, if received
- wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G or 1099-R from all employers
- 1095-A if you received credit from the healthcare.gov marketplace.
- interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099)
- Form 1098, mortgage interest/property tax information, if applicable
- a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
- other relevant information about income and expenses
- total paid for day care
- day care provider’s taxpayer identifying number.
For more information, including a link to online EITC filing, visit the Sarasota County government website at www.scgov.net. If you do not have computer access, call United Way 2-1-1 of Manasota Inc. by dialing 211 for more information. Those with mobile or pay phones should call 941-308-4357.
The current list of days/times and locations follows. There are no appointments except where noted, and walk-ins are welcome at all other locations.
SARASOTA
Mondays, 3-7 p.m.
Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (VITA site)
1845 34th St.
1845 34th St.
Mondays, 3-7 p.m.; Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Open Saturday, April 16)
Tax Season Extended – Open Monday, April 18, 3-7 p.m.
Gulf Gate Library (AARP Site)
7112 Curtiss Ave.
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Open Saturday, April 16)
Boys and Girls Club (VITA site)
3100 Fruitville Road
Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fruitville Library (AARP Site)
100 Coburn Road
Tuesdays, 2-6 p.m.
United Way Suncoast Sarasota Area Office (VITA site)
1800 2nd St. (Osprey Street Entrance)
United Way Suncoast Sarasota Area Office (VITA site)
1800 2nd St. (Osprey Street Entrance)
Mondays -Thursdays, 2-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tax Season Extended: Open Monday, April 18, 2- 6 p.m.
Selby Library (AARP Site)
1331 First St.
Tuesdays and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (AARP Site)
Senior Friendship Center
1888 Brother Geenen Way
VENICE
Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Open Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Sky Family Y (VITA site), Venice Branch boardroom
701 Center Road
Fridays, 1-4:30 p.m. (AARP Site)
Bay Indies Park
950 Ridgewood Ave.
Mondays, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (AARP Site)
Tax Season Extended: Open Monday, April 18, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Jacaranda Library
4143 Woodmere Blvd.
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (AARP Site)
Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursdays, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Venice Community Center
326 S. Nokomis Ave.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (AARP Site)
Woodmere Park
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd.
NORTH PORT
Thursdays, 5-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Open Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)
North Port Family Service Center, Social Services (VITA site)
6919 Outreach Way
Mondays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (AARP Site)
Holiday Park Recreation Center (Recreation Hall)
5401 Holiday Park Blvd.
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (AARP Site)
North Port Senior Center
4940 Pan American Blvd.
Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (AARP Site)
San Pedro Activity Center
14380 Tamiami Trail
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In September 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released information about the Registered Tax Return Preparer competencies for those who prepare tax returns for individuals and families. For more information, visit http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/index.html.
The IRS is not providing the usual level of tax forms and instructions to libraries this year because of significant federal budget cuts. Tax forms can be delivered by mail via www.irs.gov/orderforms or by calling 800-829-3676. Tax forms can also be downloaded from the IRS website, www.irs.gov/forms.
