Penn Valley to host income tax return program

MCC-Penn Valley will again serve as a site for the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers free tax help to hard-working taxpayers with incomes of $49,000 and below who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare and electronically file basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.

The program will be held on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 1 and lasting until April 12. The program will not offer tax return prep on March 15.

This year all sites will have a financial education expert and all participants will receive a financial education packet. The financial education experts will be at the sites to answer basic questions about such subjects as savings bonds, youth savings accounts, budgeting, etc. The packet of information contains basic financial education information to the participants. I have attached the information that is included in the packets.

MCC-Maple Woods service learning students to prepare free tax returns

MCC-Maple Woods is offering free federal and state income tax preparation for moderate- and low-income households in the Metro area. The free tax preparation sessions will be held Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the MCC-Maple Woods Computer-Business Room 105 Feb. 2-Apr. 13, 2011. There also will be additional sessions from 1-4 p.m. each Friday in Feb. There will be no sessions March 16 and 19 due to spring break. Household income cannot exceed $49,000 to be eligible for free filing.

Participants should bring the following documents with them: Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN) for each family member; valid photo ID from Missouri or Kansas; W-2 forms for all jobs worked in 2010; any 1099 forms for other income received in 2010; childcare provider name, address and tax ID number; any other tax-related document you have received; voided bank check for automatic deposit; and a copy of 2009 tax return. All adults listed on the tax return must be present to sign the forms.

The tax preparations are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Taxes will be prepared by MCC-Maple Woods accounting students who have been trained and certified by the IRS.