[Archived] City Announces Free Tax Preparation Assistance For Low-Income Residents

City Announces Free Tax Preparation Assistance For Low-Income Residents

The City of Alexandria is once again offering free tax preparation assistance to low-income residents during the 2008 tax season.  The service, provided by expert volunteer accountants and lawyers from Community Tax Aid, Inc., is designed to help Alexandria residents file accurate IRS and Virginia individual income tax returns and to apply for all applicable credits and deductions, including the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
 
Tax preparation sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, beginning February 2, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, beginning February 6.   The sessions will continue through April 12.  Sessions are held in the lobby of the Alexandria Department of Human Services, 2525 Mount Vernon Ave.  Taxpayers will be assisted on a first come, first-served basis.  Spanish-speaking volunteers are available on-site and electronic filing is available to help taxpayers receive their refunds more quickly.

Citizens are eligible for the Tax Preparation Assistance Program if their income is below $22,000 for individuals, and below $38,000 for families.  Taxpayers must bring a picture identification, W-2 forms and other income records, and records or receipts for expenses for child care, education, or any additional income.  They must also provide social security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for all family members and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible.
The City is also partnering with the Enterprise Development Group to provide financial counseling sessions, free credit reports, and advice on how to build, repair and protect personal credit.

For more information about the City of Alexandria’s tax preparation sessions or to request a reasonable disability accommodation or to receive materials in an alternative format, please contact Suzanne Kratzok, at 703.519.3318 ext. 206 (703.836.1493 TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the session you wish to attend.