HORRY COUNTY -- It's tax time, and that means VITA is ready to help.
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The program is available through the United Way of Horry County, and the Horry County Financial Literacy Coalition.
Individuals can get free help determining their EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and learning how to claim the credits.
VITA says millions of workers overlook special federal tax credits simply because the workers aren't aware of them.
In 2011, VITA helped 1,627 residents get EITC refunds in the amount of $536,428.
"This money can make a real difference to workers struggling in this recovering economy," said Utocqua Grissett, Horry County VITA Coordinator.
Anyone earning $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2011 should see if they qualify.
Eligible workers must file federal income tax returns, even if they are not required to file, and specifically must claim the credit to get it.
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 tax payers in claiming any special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible.
All preparers are trained and certified by the IRS in basic income tax return preparation.
Tax Day is traditionally on April 15th. But in 2012, your taxes will be due on April 17th. April 15, 2012 is a Sunday and April 16, 2012 falls on Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.
Here are the dates and times you can meet with a VITA preparer through tax season:
Saturday, January 28th
- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- James R. Frazier Community Center
- 1370 Bucksport Road
Surfside Library
- 410 Surfside Drive
- Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle Beach
- 400 14th Ave North
- Wednesdays 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Conway Library
- 1008 5th Ave
- Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Coastal Carolina University:
- Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (2/15, 3/7, 3/28, 4/4 only)
- Thursdays 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Fridays Noon - 3 p.m. (2/24, 3/2, 3/23 only)
*there will be no VITA hours during Spring Break 3/12-/316
Contact VITA for more information at 843-347-5195.
Here's what you need to bring to your meeting with a VITA preparer:
- *photo ID
- *SS cards for you and all family
- *birth dates for you and all family
- *wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W2-G, and 1099-R from all employers
- *interest and dividend statements from banks (forms 1099)
- *copies of prior year federal and state tax returns if available
- *other relevant information about income and expenses
- *amounts paid for dayc care and, if applicable, the the day care's ID #
