Today is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to make people aware of EITC. As part of that effort, VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, offered free tax assistance to qualified tax payers.
United Way has partnered with the IRS on the VITA program. The United Way says the program is vital for Horry County residents who need to file taxes but can't afford an accountant. VITA offers free tax assistance conducted by volunteers for individuals and families earning $49,000 or less per year.
The local VITA group is at the Conway Library until noon to kick off the VITA program and begin preparing taxes. They'll be there until noon today. (Check out other dates and times below)
Every penny counts in today's economy, yet many working people are overlooking an important tax credit that could put up to $5,600 or more in their pockets. Many people may qualify for EITC. Families with three or more children get an extra boost with a larger credit this year.
The IRS estimates that up to one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out because they don't check it out; therefore, you should take advantage of the VITA program to find out if you are eligible.
VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is a valuable program in our community that can offer tax preparation assistance. United Way is part of a local coalition of non-profit and governmental organizations working to ensure that free tax assistance is available for individuals and families earning $49,000 or less per year.
The VITA Program offers free assistance to those with low-to-moderate income, filing Forms 1040EZ, 1040A, or basic 1040 Federal tax returns. The Volunteer Tax preparers also assist eligible taxpayers in claiming any special credits and deductions for which they might be eligible. All Volunteer Tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS in basic income tax return preparation.
The Horry County Community VITA/Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Initiative Coalition is already getting started for this tax season. The volunteers assisted over 1,400 taxpayers in 2009 for 2008 taxes. This is roughly the same number of taxpayers assisted the previous year. This is evidence that the community appreciates, trust and depends upon the services being provided through the VITA sites.
The following are the locations and hours of operations of free tax preparation sites in this area:
*Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand
1404 Carver St, Myrtle Beach
Thursdays 12:00pm - 3:00pm
*Conway Library
801 Main St., Conway
Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:30 pm
Saturdays 10:00am - 2:00pm
*Socastee Library at 707 Connector
Wednesdays 3:00pm - 7:00pm
*Surfside Library
410 Surfside Dr., Surfside Beach
Thursdays 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm
*Little River Goodwill Store
2321 Highway 9 East, Little River
Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays 9:00am - 2:00pm
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