April 18th marks the deadline for e-filing taxes, and this year the IRS is no longer sending tax forms through the mail. Local IRS offices and libraries can order paperwork forms for those who want to use them, but there are plenty of resources along the Grand Strand that can help you e-file without breaking the bank.
The volunteer income tax assistance program, also known as VITA, offers free tax help for low to moderate income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.
"It's not simply 1040 easy, which a lot of those other free programs limit you to. We do 1040 easy, a, 1040 long form. We itemize. We can do some self employment. The only thing we do not do is if you have rental income or if you have businesses," said Utocqua Grissett, the Horry County VITA Coordinator.
For tax year 2010, individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of $49,000 or lower are eligible for the vita program. Last year, local volunteers assisted more than 1,400 taxpayers filing tax returns in 2010 with the taxpayers receiving over $1.5 Million in refunds.
It's estimated that the free service offered at the VITA sites saved Horry County taxpayers more than $210,000 (average $150 per person). The IRS reports the median tax return is more than $500.
VITA locations:
Conway Library
801 Main Street, Conway
Saturdays, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Socastee Library
707 Connector, Socastee
Tuesdays 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Loris Center for Health and Fitness
13207 Casey Street, Loris
Thursdays 4:30 - 7:30pm
Chapin Library
400 14th Ave North, Myrtle Beach
Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Coastal Carolina University
Room 204, E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
If you want get e-file help from VITA, please contact the United Way office at 843-347-5195.
